The day is finally here. For the first time in 17 years, the Flyers and Rangers will do battle in the playoffs. Much is expected. A classic rivalry unfolds when New York and Philadelphia take the Garden ice for Game 1.

In a season which started poorly for both franchises, two points separated them in the standings. The Rangers finished with 96 to the Flyers’ 94 to earn home ice. Will it be a determining factor? It largely depends on whether the Flyers can conquer MSG demons. The Rangers weren’t as good at home during the season but have fed off the energy of the building against Philly. If they lose home ice, they have the ability to win on the road. Though the season series saw each game go to the home side. If it reaches Game 7, having that extra game could prove pivotal.

At this point, toss out the Rangers’ recent Garden mastery of their archrival. It’s the postseason. Anything can happen. Speaking of which, Ray Emery gets the start for the Flyers with Steve Mason not ready. Mason will travel to Manhattan tomorrow but remains questionable for Game 2. Goaltending would tend to favor the Rangers with Henrik Lundqvist one of the game’s best. The Flyers will try to make life difficult on Hank by attacking his crease. Lundqvist has the capability of stealing a series. He’ll need to be at his best against a dangerous opponent.

One of the main storylines is former Lightning ’04 Cup members going up against each other. Brad Richards and Martin St. Louis will face Vincent Lecavalier in the series. It’ll be odd to see them on opposite sides. But the reality is they haven’t been together in a while. There are no friends in a series. Maybe we’ll even see some animosity. It’s interesting to note that Lecavalier centers the Flyers’ fourth line and scored 20 goals. He still plays power play and is a proven performer. Since coming over from Tampa, St. Louis has taken time to get acclimated scoring just once. But he seemed to be fitting in on a line with Derek Stepan and Rick Nash. Richards meanwhile bounced back with 20 goals and will start with Carl Hagelin and Jesper Fast.

What’s the biggest key to the series? Discipline. When it comes down to it, the team that stays more disciplined will prevail. The Flyers are the most penalized team and have chippie players like Scott Hartnell, Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek who can spice things up. Post scrum, the Flyers will dare the Rangers to take bad penalties. Something they must stay away from. Putting Philly on the power play is risky. Combined with Claude Giroux, points Mark Streit and Kimmo Timonen, they are lethal. Especially with Hartnell, Simmonds and Voracek working in front. If there’s one flaw, the points can be attacked. The Rangers penalty kill is aggressive and capable shorthanded. They must limit the Flyers’ opportunities.

Nash must be a factor. This isn’t last Spring. More often than not, he’s scored in the clutch. Playing with Stepan and St. Louis, he should be able to get open and have plenty of chances. He must bury them.

The Rangers’ best even strength line is Derick Brassard, Benoit Pouliot and Mats Zuccarello. They’re an excellent puck possession trio who use their speed well and work the end boards effectively. Not only are they strong five on five but are good on the power play. Brassard and Zuccarello double as playmakers while Pouliot goes to the dirty areas and brings net presence. In order for the Rangers to be successful, they must repeat their second half success.

Not much is said about Alain Vigneault’s fourth line. Tonight, it’s Derek Dorsett playing with Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore. They’re a solid checking unit who can be trusted to bring energy and even generate offensively. Ex-Flyer Daniel Carcillo can also sub for Dorsett if needed. The key will be for both to stay out of the penalty box. Both love to mix it up. There’s a fine line. Depending on how the series is called, we’ll learn more how scrums will be handled.

Ryan McDonaugh is ready to go. Is he 100 percent? The Flyers will test him early. They’ll finish every check. Mac Truck is one of the league’s best defensemen who can impact the game offensively and defensively. The Rangers don’t have another player like him. Him teamed with Dan Girardi allows Vigneault to have Marc Staal pair with Anton Stralman giving the Blueshirts two pairs capable of neutralizing opponents. That’s a huge edge. It all hinges on McDonaugh, who has improved his offense and will look for his shot.

There’s so much else that could be said. But we’d be here forever. It’s time to drop the puck!