The battle is on when the Flyers and Rangers meet in the first round.
csnphilly.com

For the first time in 17 years, the Rangers and Flyers renew acquaintances in the NHL Playoffs. An intense rivalry that’s lasted four decades continues when the second seeded Rangers and third seeded Flyers begin a much anticipated first round Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series on Thursday at Madison Square Garden.

It’ll be the 11th meeting between classic rivals. There’s no love lost between the two cities. New York and Philadelphia have a strong disdain for each other which resonates in the stands. Expect the energy in both buildings to be through the roof. Figure each team to come out strong looking to establish themselves. Historically, the Flyers lead the postseason head to head match-up six to four. That includes the last three with the ’97 Conference Final still fresh.

None of that matters. This time around, it’s a different batch of actors playing key roles who are looking to add their names to the next chapter. Most notably, the Flyers edged the Rangers in a shootout to make the 2010 postseason. That same year, they made history by rallying from a 3-0 deficit to stun Boston and just fell short of the franchise’s third Stanley Cup in a six-game defeat to Chicago. A couple of seasons later, the Rangers got a measure of revenge taking the Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Ballpark with Henrik Lundqvist stoning Daniel Briere on a penalty shot to clinch a 3-2 victory. That team posted the East’s best record and made the franchise’s first Conference Final in 15 years. Ultimately, they fell in six to nemesis New Jersey.

The good news for both teams is this time, they’re fighting for something much bigger. The winner advances in the 16-team NHL tournament for Lord Stanley. The loser hits the golf course. The stakes are higher. The battle lines have been drawn. It’s the Rangers and Flyers in what should be an exciting series for players, coaches and fans in each city. With that in mind, let’s break down the match-ups.

FORWARDS: The Flyers are led by captain Claude Giroux, who does a bit of everything. After a terrible start, he proved why he’s one of the league’s best finishing third in scoring with 86 points. He also led them in assists (58) and game-winners (7) while ranking fourth in the league in power play points (37). Simply put, he must be contained. Philly boasts seven different 20-goal scorers including Wayne Simmonds, who paced them with 29 including 15 power play goals. He likes to set up in front. Jakub Voracek is equally as dangerous netting eight of his 23 on the man-advantage. A strong supporting cast features pest Scott Hartnell, Vincent Lecavalier, Matt Read and Brayden Schenn. Sean Couturier is already a strong two-way center who’s dangerous shorthanded with Adam Hall. Steve Downie and Zac Rinaldo are deterrents. Michal Raffl, Tye McGinn and Jay Rosehill are interchangeable.

The Rangers counter with a balanced attack featuring leading scorer Mats Zuccarello. Zuccarello paced them with 59 points which were a career high along with 19 goals. His 40 assists tied Derek Stepan for the team lead. Stepan came in with 57 to rank second. His plus-12 rating is tops among forwards without Chris Kreider. Brad Richards returned to form notching 20 goals and 51 points with his 19 power play points tops. Up front, the Rangers have eight players who scored double digits including Martin St. Louis. He must finish better than the 1 goal in 19. For a second straight year, Rick Nash paced them in goals (26) and tied a club record in game-winners (9). He improved down the stretch and is a shorthanded threat with Stepan. St. Louis and Zuccarello also kill penalties. Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot form a potent top line with Zuccarello that gets in on the forecheck. Carl Hagelin and Jesper Fast spent the final two games with Richards leaving top checkers Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore to work with Derek Dorsett and Daniel Carcillo. Is Fast ready or does the coaching staff opt for toughness?

Edge: Even

DEFENSEMEN: On the blueline, the Flyers don’t have a standout but can send out plenty of experience. Former Islander Mark Streit led them offensively with 10 goals and 44 points. He must be watched on the power play. Kimmo Timonen is still getting it done with over half his production on the man-advantage. From a defensive standpoint, they have Braydon Coburn and Niklas Grossmann along with Andrew MacDonald and Luke Schenn. All are capable of blocking shots with MacDonald one of the best. Schenn loves to throw his weight around finishing with 260 hits. In reserve are grizzled vet Hal Gill plus Erik Gustafsson. They aren’t the fastest skaters but do take the body.

On the Rangers side, Ryan McDonaugh anchors the back end along with Dan Girardi. The biggest key is how healthy McDonaugh is. He is one of the league’s best who is leaned on heavily. Having come into his own offensively with career highs in goals (14), assists (29) and points (43), he does everything. If he has full range of motion in the left shoulder, that would be a big boost. He also led the team with three shorthanded goals. After a slow start, Girardi rebounded and will be counted on physically. Marc Staal didn’t have the year many figured but has rounded into form and usually saves his best for now. Partner Anton Stralman is a stalwart defensively who complements Staal. John Moore and Kevin Klein comprise the third pair. Moore’s offense picked up while Klein has fit in seamlessly. Raphael Diaz is a decent extra.

Edge: Rangers

GOALIES: For better or worse, the Flyers will go as far as Steve Mason can take them. In his first full year, he won 33 games and posted a 2.50 GAA, .917 save percentage with four shutouts. He’s improved and is capable. However, his only postseason experience was with Columbus when they were swept in ’09 by Detroit. An upper body injury is a concern but figure him to be ready. All bets are off if Ray Emery gets the call.

Henrik Lundqvist overcame the contract distraction and a poor first half to win 33 games. He was a different player during the second half and post-Olympics. Even in a down year by his high standards, he posted a 2.36 GAA, .920 save percentage and five shutouts. The Rangers’ all-time franchise leader in wins and shutouts must be at his best. He will get tested and probably have Flyers in his crease bumping him. If there’s one advantage the Rangers have, it’s in net.

Edge: Rangers

SPECIAL TEAMS: In any series, special teams are critical. This one should be no different. The Flyers boast a dangerous power play that ranked eighth overall coming in at 19.8 percent. That included an NHL best 25.2 percent on the road. As good as it gets. If there’s one match-up to follow closely, it’s their man-advantage versus the Rangers penalty kill. The Rangers had the third best PK killing off 85.8 percent. They also tied for third with 10 shorthanded goals. The Flyers ranked 28th allowing 11 shorthanded goals.

The Rangers power play finished 15th clicking at 18.2 percent. It was sore spot at home ranking 24th at 15.2 percent. For some reason, they fared better on the road finishing fifth at 21.2 percent. Overall, they permitted seven shorthanded goals which was in the middle. The Flyers also boast a strong penalty kill ranking seventh at 84.8 percent. That included eight shorthanded goals led by Read’s four. Both penalty killing units are strong. One team doesn’t want to give the other too many power play opportunities.

Edge: Flyers

FACEOFFS: Neither side is great in the faceoff circle. The Flyers were 16th at 50.0 percent. Giroux is their best winning 52.9 percent. Only Hall was also on the plus-side of the ledger. Couturier, Schenn and Lecavalier all won less than half. Statistically, the Rangers were even worse finishing 22nd at 48.8 percent. You know it’s troublesome when none of your top three are .500. Richards is just a shade under coming in at 49.8 while Brassard is hit or miss and Stepan the same. Moore is their best but centers the fourth line and kills penalties. Boyle also wins over half but is on the same unit. Key draws can lead to puck possession and goals for and against.

Edge: Flyers

COACHES: Craig Berube did an outstanding job after relieving Peter Laviolette. He got his team to buy into a new system that put more emphasis on coming back defensively. Look how well they responded improving in every aspect. They play hard and are never out of a game. It took time for Alain Vigneault to get everyone on the same page. But once they did, his more aggressive strategy paid dividends. He certainly has the edge experience wise. Both tacticians have pushed a lot of right buttons making it a toss up.

Edge: Even

INTANGIBLES: The Flyers have brought renewed passion. They believe they can win. If there’s one sticky point, it’s whether they can overcome recent history at MSG. Logic dictates that you can toss that out. The Rangers want to jump on them and create doubt. Given that they’re also a strong road team who won the most games away from home, that could be a factor. I don’t put too much stock in home ice but having Game 7 in their building against a hated rival could play out.

Edge: Rangers

Analysis: The Flyers are much bigger and will try to impose their will. The Rangers must use their speed edge and push back. It’s a knock ’em sock ’em drag out fight that will be determined by whose style wins out.

Series Prediction: Rangers in 7