Battle Of Hudson

Car Bombed: Daniel Carcillo watches his redirection slip past Ray Emery for the knockout blow highlighting a Rangers 4-1 Game 3 win over the Flyers.
AP Photo/Chris Szagola

The playoffs are all about having a short memory. After losing Game 2, the Rangers showed character to take back home ice. Facing a hostile environment, they responded with an emphatic 4-1 win over the Flyers in Game 3 at Wells Fargo Center.

It was exactly what the doctor ordered. Facing their first adversity, the Rangers did what they have all season. Road warriors under Alain Vigneault, they executed throughout despite being outshot 32-23. Henrik Lundqvist responded with a stronger effort in net making 31 saves. That included some key stops in the second period when the Flyers applied pressure. Similar to last game, the home team played controlled the stanza but didn’t capitalize. Instead, the Rangers got the only goal from Dan Girardi, who stood out earning number one star.

The Rangers got big bounce backs from Girardi and partner Ryan McDonagh. Defensively they were much better five on five and shorthanded. One of the themes thus far in the series has been special teams. The Flyers held the edge in Game 2. Neither team scored on the power play. But the Rangers killed off all five Philadelphia power plays. That included a couple of key ones when the Flyers were given every chance to get back in. Let’s just say the officiating wasn’t top notch.

For a second consecutive game, the Rangers jumped on Ray Emery by getting the first two. The top line struck twice. Derek Stepan converted his second from Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis to open the scoring. Discipline was an issue for Benoit Pouliot. His cross check negated a Ranger power play. That wasn’t the only bad penalty from him.

They were able to keep momentum initially. St. Louis put the Rangers up two when he deflected home a Girardi point shot for his second. In his first three postseason games, he has two goals and three assists. Exactly the type of production Glen Sather was expecting from a money performer. With his team on another man-advantage, it took Pouliot five seconds to cancel it when he took a holding minor in the offensive zone. Those are the kind that get you in trouble. During the ensuing four on four, the Flyers needed only 21 seconds to cash in. Ex-Islander Mark Streit took a Jakub Voracek feed and beat Lundqvist slicing the deficit in half with 2:42 left.

Not shockingly, MSG reporter John Giannone was told by the coaching staff they wanted to limit the penalties. For the first half of the second, neither side went to the box. It was mostly Flyers though. They put good pressure on forcing Lundqvist into some tough saves. They pinned the Rangers in for a couple of shifts but were unable to get any closer. One player who was a big hero was Daniel Carcillo. Inserted into the lineup for Jesper Fast, the former Flyer pest played a whale of a game. At the end of a shift, he kept a play alive allowing the Rangers to make a full change. It led to a momentum turning goal. Off a Marc Staal keep, Carl Hagelin worked the puck to Brad Richards, who found an open Girardi for a one-time blast to give them a two-goal lead.

Lundqvist made it stand up. When he wasn’t making timely stops, he had plenty of help from defensemen and forwards who blocked shots. Everyone sacrificed. It was like a Torts renaissance with the team blocking 28 altogether.  That included Carcillo, whose diving block left him down momentarily. Flyer fans cheered. Unbelievable. A couple of shifts later, they booed after Carcillo took a Matt Read shoulder from the blind side and laid on the ice. He was able to get up thankfully. Somehow, neither Francis Charron or Paul Devorski called a penalty on the play.

But they allowed Voracek to pummel Carl Hagelin after he got entangled with the Flyers’ winger. During the stoppage, Carcillo got an extra two for roughing. He came to the aid of a teammate. Something this team doesn’t do enough. It was nice to see his teammates pick him up with a strong penalty kill. They also had to deal with one of those needless penalties from Derek Dorsett. Ironically, the Flyers have the worst home power play. They heard it from the crowd.

After escaping the second ahead two, the Rangers continued to play solid defense. Despite not testing Emery enough, they managed to shutdown the Flyers. They weren’t able to muster the kind of chances necessary to beat Lundqvist. After stopping all 13 in a busy second, he turned aside seven more in the third. Unlike Game 2, his rebound control was better. The effort never wavered.

Despite another woeful call on Carcillo for a phantom hook, the Rangers delivered a fifth successive penalty kill. As fate would have it, he would come out of the box and deliver the knockout blow. Brian Boyle made a perfect centering pass for a driving Carcillo, who neatly deflected it home. His celebration summed it up perfectly. One of the coolest things ever.

With the game decided, Craig Berube pulled Emery for Steve Mason, who no doubt will start Game 4 when the series continues Friday. Mason got the classic mock cheer the first time he touched the puck. He only saw three shots. That will change next time. Finally, the Flyers will have their starter back. Will it make a difference? We’ll see.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers (31 saves incl. 20/20 last 2 periods)

2nd Star-Martin St. Louis, Rangers (goal-2nd of playoffs, assist, +1 in 17:26)

1st Star-Dan Girardi, Rangers (goal-1st of playoffs, assist, 5 blocks, +2 in 22:42)

The Rangers need Rick Nash to start burying his opportunities against the Flyers.

Since coming over from Columbus, Rick Nash has shown flashes of what made him one of the league’s best finishers. He still overcame concussions to lead the Rangers in goal scoring his first two seasons. After notching 21 last year, he tallied 26 with many coming in crunch time. Despite missing 17 games, he also led the club with nine game-winners. Starting tonight in a pivotal Game 3 with the first round series tied, the Rangers need him big time.

It’s no secret Nash has struggled to finish for the Blueshirts in the postseason. Held to just one goal in 12 games last year, he is 0 for 2 so far against the Flyers. He’s still managed to get on the score sheet registering assists in the first two games. In Game 2, he combined with Derek Stepan to set up Martin St. Louis for a goal at even strength. So far, he leads the Rangers with 13 shots. Playing with Stepan and St. Louis, he’s definitely gotten his looks. When he gets chances, he needs to bury them.

One goal in his first 14 postseason games isn’t going to cut it. In Game 1, I felt he was one of their best players registering seven shots with many dangerous. His best opportunity in Game 2 came off a Flyer turnover in front of the net. But he fired the puck into Ray Emery, who also denied John Moore. When your most lethal finisher gets point blank chances, you expect him to light the lamp.

Nash has looked more comfortable this year. He’s delivered in the clutch all season and even chipped in on the penalty kill scoring two shorthanded goals. Alain Vigneault has trusted him more than John Tortorella. With that comes more responsibility. Since Ryan Callahan was traded for St. Louis, Nash has taken on a bigger leadership role. His scrap against his former team sparked a comeback win. From that point, he was a different player.

The Rangers are counting on him to deliver. Especially if the Flyers are going to continue their annual march to the penalty box. Nash hasn’t scored a power play goal in his last 30 games. The last time he got one was all the way back on Jan. 26 in the Rangers Stadium Series win over the Devils. Of his 26 goals, only three came on the man-advantage. That trend can’t continue.

In Game 2, the Rangers didn’t make the Flyers pay. They went 1 for 6 on the power play with only Benoit Pouliot coming through to put them up 2-0. Philadelphia responded by scoring four unanswered to earn a split at MSG. They kept handing the Rangers opportunities but no one finished. They were 0 for their last 4 including a critical power failure early in the third trailing by one.

Thus far, special teams have determined both games. The Flyers went 2 for 3 highlighting their win including Luke Schenn’s power play tally. It came on a Pouliot delayed penalty with them able to capitalize 6 on 5. Henrik Lundqvist let out a juicy rebound of an Adam Hall shot which Schenn pounced on. Along with Nash, he must be better. The Rangers’ best players have to step up with the series shifting to what will be a hostile environment at Wells Fargo Center. We’ll see what their made of starting tonight.

Ray Emery stops a shot with Jesper Fast searching for a rebound.
AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Before the series, the Flyers knew starter Steve Mason would be out. That meant veteran Ray Emery. In Game 1, the Rangers were able to expose him laterally. Today, they were stoned by the Flyer backup, who finished with 31 saves to lead his team to a hard fought 4-2 win taking Game 2 to even the first round series. Along with three unanswered goals, that allowed Philadelphia to finally break the MSG curse winning for the first time since Feb. 20, 2011.

For the Rangers, it’s a lost opportunity. After jumping out to a 2-0 lead, they let the Flyers off the hook. Ironically, it’s the sixth straight time they’ve lost Game 2 at home since 1994. Now, the series shifts to Philly with momentum on the Flyers side. They earned it by outworking, outhustling and out-muscling the Rangers. Despite falling behind by two, indeed the Flyers were the more desperate team. That even included a heroic performance from Emery, who after allowing two early didn’t get beat again. He outplayed Henrik Lundqvist, who finished with 21 saves.

Easter Sunday started out promising for the Broadway side. Following a Flyer penalty kill of a Wayne Simmonds hold, Martin St. Louis got the Rangers on the scoreboard first when he buried his first off a brilliant cross ice feed from Derek Stepan. Rick Nash started the play by taking advantage of a sloppy Philadelphia turnover in the neutral zone. He came in three on two feeding Stepan in the slot, who easily could’ve shot. Instead, the unselfish playmaking pivot dished across for St. Louis, who made no mistake.

Even though they started better than Game 1, the Flyers dug themselves an early two-goal hole. An undisciplined Sean Couturier rough resulted in the Rangers’ third power play goal of the series. Off a rush started by Mats Zuccarello, Derick Brassard walked into the Philly zone and found an isolated Benoit Pouliot for a quick one-timer Emery had no chance on. A beautiful set up with the Rangers once again exposing Emery’s movement side to side. Of the five goals they’ve scored so far, three have come by moving the puck laterally.

With the crowd in a frenzy, Carl Hagelin took a bad offensive zone holding minor that halted momentum. Even though the Flyers didn’t score on the power play, it allowed them to regain an edge. Continuing to play a physical brand of hockey, they were harder on the puck and able to finally establish themselves. Despite testing Lundqvist more, it was a goal in transition that turned the tide. Heavily criticized after Game 1, the Flyers’ top line struck thanks to a strong power move from Jakub Voracek, who notched his first. Claude Giroux forced a turnover, allowing Scott Hartnell to push the puck ahead for Voracek, who cut around Ryan McDonagh and beat Lundqvist for a huge goal cutting the deficit to 2-1. McDonagh struggled throughout and Lundqvist committed too early, leaving an open side.

The Rangers got a third chance on the power play with Voracek off for a slash. But they got nothing done. The Flyers penalty kill would be a factor. They killed off five of six due to more aggressive play. Combined with critical stops from Emery, that proved to be a difference. They also were able to draw key penalties. The Rangers cooperated by losing discipline. I could care less if our fans didn’t like a couple of the calls. They got sucked in. One such penalty taken by Anton Stralman (interference) resulted in Jason Akeson tying it 5:45 into the second. The goat the other night, Akeson pounced on a rebound off a hard Vincent Lecavalier one-timer. Brayden Schenn helped set it up.

It took until the fifth period of the series for the Flyers to get the Rangers into their kind of game. A physical, in your face affair featuring numerous scrums and penalties. If there was a bad call, it was the one on Zuccarello for diving after Andrew MacDonald was nabbed for interference. He clearly took him down, which is why it was a strange call. Despite crowd protests, Kimmo Timonen went off for holding 18 seconds later giving the Blueshirts a great four on three opportunity. But they failed to capitalize with Emery making big saves including one on Rick Nash off a turnover, robbing him point blank. He also pounded on the rebound.

Throughout, the Rangers were unable to establish a consistent forecheck. Their most effective line was Brassard, Pouliot and Zuccarello. Outside of Stepan’s set up for St. Louis, that unit struggled. Brad Richards was decent on the power play getting shots through but his line wasn’t a factor. Jesper Fast struggled with the Flyers’ physicality only getting 14 shifts (8:49 TOI). Don’t be surprised if he sits out Game 3. Daniel Carcillo or J.T. Miller are probably better options.

With the game tied, the Flyers took their first lead of the series thanks to defenseman Luke Schenn, who scored his first on a delayed penalty. They took advantage of some overexertion from the Rangers’ top line who got caught deep. Michael Raffl fed Adam Hall for a shot which caromed off Lundqvist right to Schenn, who buried it at 11:18. Lundqvist’s rebound control wasn’t good. He allowed rebound goals on the Flyers’ last two. Normally, he’s better than that. He’ll have to adjust when the series shifts to Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Thirteen seconds following Schenn’s tally, the teams mixed it up post whistle. Hartnell, Wayne Simmonds, Derek Dorsett and Dominic Moore were all sent off. A diving call on Dorsett led to more jeers from the Garden who let the refs know about it. Whether or not you agree with the officiating, the Rangers simply weren’t good enough. They have no one to blame but themselves. They fell into the Flyers’ trap and didn’t work as hard. In the second half of the stanza, they generated opportunities including another diagonal set up for Stepan which Emery got across on and denied. He anticipated plays better making up for a lack of athleticism.

The Flyers would kill off two more penalties. They escaped trouble on one thanks to more big stops from Emery. Without hesitation, he was their best player. Not bad for a guy who was the butt of many jokes after the first game. He did let out rebounds but no Ranger was able to cash in. Credit the Flyer defense for doing a good job boxing out. After giving up 17 second period shots, they held the Rangers to seven in the third. With the exception of an Emery point blank robbery on Zuccarello, the other six were from the perimeter.

In the final period, Philadelphia played more disciplined. In fact, on the one time they were penalized, they got a better opportunity with Lundqvist forced to make a difficult sliding glove save on a Hall shorthanded bid. He made his best two saves in the third to give the Rangers a chance. But they were mostly neutralized by a Flyer D that bent but didn’t break. They allowed Emery to see the shots and he did the job.

With Lundqvist uncertain whether to go off for an extra attacker, he cost the Rangers any realistic chance. Richards came onto the ice with Lundqvist still not on the bench leading to a mind numbing bench minor for too many men. It made no sense. I initially blamed Alain Vigneault but what the heck was Lundqvist doing? The Rangers had puck possession behind the Flyers net and he waited. Chalk it up to an ill timed miscommunication. It typified an unsatisfying day.

Now, the series is even. The Rangers will put their road mastery to a test. If they can stay away from the foolishness that we saw today, they should be fine. It’ll be interesting to see how they respond. The Flyers have to feel good about themselves. Able to gain a split in a building they’ve had no success in, they know if they hold serve, the pressure’s squarely on the Rangers. They did it without Mason. We’ll see what happens in Game 3.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Claude Giroux, Flyers (assist, 2 takeaways, 2 blocks, +2 in 20:19-no shots but led by example)

2nd Star-Luke Schenn, Flyers (goal-1st of series for game decider, 2 hits, 2 blocked shots, +1 in 17:40)

1st Star-Ray Emery, Flyers (31 saves on 33 shots incl. 24/24 final 2 periods)

Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo delivers a big hit on Rangers defenseman Kevin Klein in Game 1.
AP Photo/Bruce Bennett

Whenever you play a rival in the postseason, expect plenty of rough stuff. Both the Flyers and Rangers ramped up the intensity. Neither side passed up an opportunity to finish a check. It’s what you come to expect in a hardly fought first round match-up.

In Game 1, the teams combined for 69 hits. Not surprisingly, Philadelphia won the physical battle outhitting the Rangers 37-32. In fact, 16 of the Flyers’ 18 skaters registered a hit. Matt Read and Luke Schenn led the way with five each. Only two Flyers didn’t including Vinny Lecavalier and Mark Streit. Three Blueshirts shared the team lead with four apiece coming from Brian Boyle, Jesper Fast and Kevin Klein. Only three Rangers failed to register one. They were Dominic Moore, Marc Staal and Anton Stralman.

In another key category, the Flyers blocked 22 shots to the Rangers’ 16. They were led by Kimmo Timonen’s five with former Islander Andrew MacDonald chipping in four along with the Flyers’ only goal. For the Rangers, Staal paced them with four blocks followed by Derek Stepan’s three.

Faceoffs were 26-23 in favor of the Rangers. Derick Brassard was their best going 9 for 14. Dom Moore was also strong winning 7 of 11. Stepan finished 7 and 9 while Game 1 hero Brad Richards went 3 and 5. For the Flyers, Claude Giroux was 9 for 14 on draws. Adam Hall went 6 for 10 while Brayden Schenn was .500 (3 for 6). Sean Couturier had an off night losing 10 of 14. Lecavalier lost 4 of 5.

Takeaways: Flyers 8 Rangers 10

Giveaways: Flyers 4 Rangers 16

Carl Hagelin celebrates his goal with teammates during the Rangers’ 4-1 win in Game 1 over the Flyers.
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

For Brad Richards, it couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. A year removed from being benched, he erupted for a goal and two assists highlighting a Rangers’ 4-1 win over the Flyers to take Game 1 of the first round series at MSG. Richards scored the first of two power play goals less than a minute apart to break a 1-1 tie with 11:38 left in regulation.

The difference was discipline. For most of the night, the Flyers stayed out of the penalty box only giving the Rangers one power play early on. That all changed when Jason Akeson came across the ice to deliver a hit and hi-sticked Carl Hagelin drawing blood. It handed them a double-minor. The Rangers took full advantage scoring on both ends. Both Richards and Derek Stepan scored their first goals of the postseason. Hagelin added an insurance marker.

Meeting for the first time in 17 years, nothing separated the Flyers and Rangers for two periods. Greeted by loud cheers from the crowd, the Rangers came out early and established puck possession thanks to a strong cycle from the top unit of Benoit Pouliot, Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. Not surprisingly, it was that line that produced their first goal.

It didn’t come until former Islander Andrew MacDonald got Philadelphia on the board first. Off a clean take out by Scott Hartnell on Ryan McDonagh, he got the puck to MacDonald, whose left point shot deflected off Martin St. Louis past Henrik Lundqvist at 7:28. Oddly enough, they scored on their first shot.

Despite giving up the series’ opening tally, the Rangers continued to control the action. Off sustained pressure from the top unit, Zuccarello struck back at 10:53. A Marc Staal keep at the point allowed Pouliot to come out with the puck from behind the net and pass for Zuccarello, whose initial shot was stopped by Ray Emery. But he hustled to the net and backhanded home the rebound leading to familiar chants of “Zuke,” from MSG. After tying it, the Rangers continued to generate chances with Emery stopping Rick Nash. He had a good period also denying Brian Boyle twice on a stuff attempt.

There were plenty of hits on both sides with each side finishing checks. That theme continued in a tightly contested second. Playing more cautiously, the Flyers were able to limit the Rangers’ chances. After outshooting their old Patrick rival 14-6, it was more even with shots 9-8 in favor of the home side. While Emery held up at his end, Lundqvist stayed focused coming up with timely stops including a nice kick out on a tricky Hartnell opportunity. A hustling Staal just got enough of Wayne Simmonds to deny a rebound.

Following a scoreless second, McDonagh took a hi-sticking minor 46 seconds into the third. A dangerous power play unit, the Flyers were unable to register a shot. Aggressive Rangers penalty killers gave them little set up time and space. In particular, Staal stood out with some strong defensive work alongside Dan Girardi. A great stick check by Stepan and steal helped kill the rest of the penalty. He and Hagelin did a great job.

For the first seven minutes of the period, there was only one shot with Emery making a routine save. On the next shift following a stoppage, Akeson was in on a Flyer cycle getting a shot on Lundqvist. But near the end of it, he went for a take out on Hagelin but his stick came up high. When it produced blood, suddenly the Rangers had the opportunity they needed.

With Alain Vigneault starting the first unit, they delivered thanks to some great playmaking. A smart read by Stepan pushed the puck down low for Nash, who centered for a St. Louis shot that caromed off a Flyer skate right to Richards, who buried it at 8:22 putting the Rangers up 2-1. After a short shift for the second unit, Vigneault sensed something with his top one and sent them back out. It worked immediately. More patience and passing resulted in a sweet finish for Stepan. McDonagh sent a pass across to St. Louis who went diagonal to Richards opening up a seam where he found an isolated Stepan, who fired into an open side.

Once they fell behind by two, the Flyers came unglued taking three minors in the last eight minutes. That included a frustration slash from Claude Giroux, who was held without a shot. During the season series, he was held to just two assists. His line was on for their only goal but the trio of Giroux, Hartnell and Voracek combined for two shots. Not that the Rangers minded.

Following a power play that threatened, Jesper Fast made a good read in the neutral zone. Finding Richards at the Flyers blueline, the Rangers’ alternate captain fired a shot that Emery leaked out to a cutting Hagelin, who finished off his first for the final margin with 4:08 remaining. A nice reward for a player who hustled all night. For Fast, it was his first NHL point. Similar to Chris Kreider in 2012, it came in the playoffs. That will keep him in the lineup.

As usual, the Flyers tried to goon it up post whistle. First, Zac Rinaldo was sent off for a needless slash. Then, Brayden Schenn showed frustration with a cross-check that came with under a minute left. That’s what they do. The Rangers were smart. They went back but without doing anything foolish. One of my favorite moments was seeing Girardi shove Hartnell at the conclusion of the second. It sent a message that they won’t back down.

BONY Game 1 Stars Of The Game:

3rd Star-Marc Staal, NYR (assist, 4 blocks, superb defensively, +1 in 25 shifts-19:04)

2nd Star-Martin St. Louis, NYR (2 assists, had shots blocked but key playmaking on display, -1 in 27 shifts-19:18)

1st Star-Brad Richards, NYR (1-2-3 incl. game-winning PPG at 8:22 of 3rd, 6 SOG, +1 in 20 shifts-19:03)

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!

With starter Steve Mason out for tomorrow, it’ll be Ray Emery in net for the Flyers.
philly.com

When the Flyers visit MSG tomorrow for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal, they’ll do so without Steve Mason. The starting goalie still isn’t fully recovered from an upper body injury sustained against Pittsburgh this past Saturday. He left the game after two periods and was replaced by veteran backup Ray Emery.

With Mason ruled out for the beginning of the series, that means the 31-year old Emery will start instead. He’s certainly capable of filling the void. An experienced netminder who is a fighter literally, he’ll compete on every shot. Emery’s career postseason numbers are 20-15 with a 2.57 goals-against-average, .903 save percentage and three shutouts. He’s backstopped Ottawa to a Stanley Cup Final and backed up Corey Crawford on last year’s Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks.

In the head to head regular season match-up, Emery started once and allowed four goals in a 4-1 loss to the Rangers on Jan. 12. Mason started the other three posting a 2-1 record with a 2.06 GAA.  His injury certainly throws a wrench into the Flyers’ plans. However, Emery is battle tested and the Flyer team defense has improved under coach Craig Berube. It shouldn’t be a cake walk.

The Rangers must treat it as they would if Mason was in. It’s still the same approach. Establish themselves early and feed off what should be a loud Garden environment. It’s one of the best rivalries. Given recent history with Philadelphia taking the last three series, there’s plenty of incentive. All-time, the Flyers lead the Rangers six to four. This is the 11th playoff meeting.

The Rangers recalled J.T. Miller from Hartford. Miller isn’t expected to play but did practice taking the place of Derick Brassard. Daily News beat writer Pat Leonard tweeted a couple of updates.

Not to state the obvious. But any injury to Brassard would hurt the team’s chances. He centers the Rangers most cohesive line flanked by leading scorer Mats Zuccarello and perfect complement Benoit Pouliot. They are good skaters who get in on the cycle and take the body. Brassard isn’t overly physical but does a solid job recovering and moving pucks to his line mates.

Encouraging is that Alain Vigneault believes he’ll be ready for Game 1 Thursday. Unless it’s serious, there’s little doubt Brassard will play. The last thing Vigneault wants is to have to tinker with his lines. It looks like Jesper Fast will make his playoff debut. He practiced again with Carl Hagelin and Brad Richards. Daniel Carcillo subbed late for Derek Dorsett on the fourth line which would indicate he’s the odd man out.

As expected, Ryan McDonaugh participated in full practice. The one decision Vigneault has is between Raphael Diaz and Kevin Klein for the sixth spot on defense. It shouldn’t be difficult with the more physical and defensive minded Klein a better fit teaming with John Moore. Since coming over for Mike Del Zotto, he hasn’t made many glaring mistakes and is a smart positional defender. Exactly why Glen Sather acquired him.

Nothing new on Chris Kreider, who remains out. Interestingly, he led the Rangers with two goals and two assists versus the Flyers in the season series. As we’ve seen, they can’t replace his combination of size, speed and physicality. A reason Miller got called up. He adds size and a physical element. At this point, that’s the last option. Vigneault doesn’t seem to like him.