Flyers Lose To Rangers, Again

If tonight's game were to be decided after the first two minutes of the game, the Flyers would have won.  The Flyers came out in the early going with a ton of energy and generated lots of shots and traffic in front of Lundquist.  Early on, Simmonds had an excellent shot out in front but Lundquist made a dazzling save to keep things scoreless.

Soon after the Rangers struck first thanks to a wrist shot goal by Ryan McDonagh in front.  The Rangers scored a few minutes after, this time thanks to Brian Boyle.  Bryzgalov made a nice save but the rebound scooted out in front of the net and Boyle was able to slap it home.  The Rangers then scored two more goals in the period but we really don't have to get into the details.

After a devastating first, the Flyers were finally able to solve Lundquist late in the second period.  The Flyers were able to score in front thanks to Jakub Voracek who finally put one past the veteran goaltender.  Ultimately the Flyers were never able to mount a comeback and lost by a final of 5-3.  With the loss the Flyers got swept in the season series by the Rangers losing all 6 games.

Ultimately the game halts any playoff excitement that the Flyers may have built as a result of Sunday's big victory over the Penguins.  Tonight's loss brings back the crushing reality that the Flyers simply can't beat the Rangers.

While I certainly like the Flyers' chances against the Penguins in the first round, anything beyond that seems extremely doubtful at this point.  For some reason the Rangers flat out intimidate the Flyers and as a result the Flyers typically get off to bad starts against them.

While the Flyers were clean swept in the regular season by the Rangers, the playoffs literally are completely different.  The Flyers could very easily sweep the Rangers in the postseason because NHL playoffs are just that peculiar where anything can happen.

To add insult to injury, tonight the Penguins are beating the Bruins and in all likelihood will hold a 3 point lead over the Flyers with just two games remaining for both teams.  The Flyers will host the Sabres on Thursday night as they continue to pursue the fourth seed and try to build momentum as the playoffs draw ever closer.