Game 39 Preview and Open Thread: Four, Please. Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers

by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 6:07 PM EST in Philadelphia Flyers Game Threads - 09-10

#13 Philadelphia Flyers (18-18-2, 38 pts) at #T-8 New York Rangers (18-16-4, 40 pts)
Madison Square - 7:00 PM EST - New York, NY
TV: CSN Philly HD, MSG 2
Radio: 1210 WPHT, XM 204
This is the open game thread.
Behind Enemy Lines: Blueshirt Banter

After playing one of their worst games of the season some ten days ago against the Rangers, the Flyers can't possibly do any worse tonight in their second of six meetings against Vinny Prospal & Co.

The Flyers have won three straight games for the first time since November 6-12, and are going for their first four-game win of the Peter Laviolette era.

This is the last Flyers game of the decade, folks. If that doesn't get you fired up...then I guess you just don't have proper awe for the Gregorian Calendar.

Questions to answer, as well as your thoughts on every bounce, plus some Mystery, Alaska allusions, after the jump:

Questions To Answer

Michael Leighton gets the start again. Does his luck finally run out, or is he secretly incapable of losing?
The Flyers have to be looking forward to meeting Travis and all the other cool stuff that goes along with the Winter Classic. Can they possibly stay focused on tonight's game?
What asinine products will MSG pimp tonight to desecrate the glass behind the nets?
Will Ryan Parent finally score an NHL goal, or does he leave the decade with a 0 in that column?
Does Peter Laviolette have any spiffy New Year's neck wear to show off after the smash success that was his Christmas tie?

Let's do this thing. Go Flyers.

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Comments

3. What asinine products will MSG pimp tonight to desecrate the glass behind the nets?

Answer: Santa Sacks

by lerris on Dec 30, 2009 6:11 PM EST reply actions

Better than Bettmans sack

by Prometheus74 on Dec 30, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions

anything

is better than bettman’s sack.

by kofibiney on Dec 30, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions

NICE! Betts with a quick goal!!

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 7:10 PM EST reply actions

Betts! welcome back to MSG!

by Prometheus74 on Dec 30, 2009 7:10 PM EST reply actions

bettssssssssssssss.

by kofibiney on Dec 30, 2009 7:10 PM EST reply actions

I’m getting used to this not sucking thing. It’s kind of fun.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 7:17 PM EST reply actions

I am getting used to Betts being more than a steady guy to center our 3rd/4th lines and kill penalties.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 7:17 PM EST reply actions

First 2 minutes: good

Last 5 minutes: boring

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 7:18 PM EST reply actions

i like leighton more every game, emery who?

by (AXP)HBK on Dec 30, 2009 7:21 PM EST reply actions

great save random Flyers goalie guy

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 7:21 PM EST reply actions

Didn’t cash in, but a nice look by Powe.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 7:22 PM EST reply actions

I’m glad we have him back.

by pintium02 on Dec 30, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions

And of course, a real nice second save from Leighton.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 7:22 PM EST reply actions

every time we start a new goalie i cant help but get the teenage-girl “maybe he’s the one” butterflies

by (AXP)HBK on Dec 30, 2009 7:23 PM EST reply actions

no homo, of course

by (AXP)HBK on Dec 30, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions

Oh did you mean “maybe he’s the one” for our goalie?

by pintium02 on Dec 30, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions

yea lol

by (AXP)HBK on Dec 30, 2009 7:25 PM EST up reply actions

Wow Danny just got mugged

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 7:26 PM EST reply actions

And so did Hartnell

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 7:26 PM EST up reply actions

DANNNNYYY!!!!!

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 7:30 PM EST reply actions

WOW Danny!
Nice Hands!!!

by Prometheus74 on Dec 30, 2009 7:30 PM EST reply actions

danny briereeeeeeeeeeeeee.

for a second i thought he hadn’t had scored.

by kofibiney on Dec 30, 2009 7:30 PM EST reply actions

whoa, that was awesome!

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 7:30 PM EST reply actions

3-0!!!!

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 7:32 PM EST reply actions

NICE!!!!!

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 7:32 PM EST reply actions

GIROUX POURIN IT ON

by (AXP)HBK on Dec 30, 2009 7:32 PM EST reply actions

Giroux for the tastycakes

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 7:32 PM EST reply actions

GriouX!
I love that rebounds are finally going our way!

by Prometheus74 on Dec 30, 2009 7:32 PM EST reply actions

way to go wonderkid claude

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 7:33 PM EST reply actions

oh boy.

John tortorella pisseddddddddddd.

by kofibiney on Dec 30, 2009 7:33 PM EST reply actions

Thats a deep shade of red

by Prometheus74 on Dec 30, 2009 7:33 PM EST reply actions

Torts actually made it to purple territory

by lerris on Dec 30, 2009 7:51 PM EST up reply actions

Lets not get comfortable here. Keep up the pressure

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 7:35 PM EST reply actions

Now I hope the Flyers learn how to put their foot on the proverbial throat of their opponent and don’t let them crawl back into the game like they did vs Tampa.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 7:35 PM EST reply actions

whens the last time we scored 3 in the 1st

by (AXP)HBK on Dec 30, 2009 7:36 PM EST reply actions

probably last decade

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 7:36 PM EST reply actions

Balls, Rangers powerplay

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 7:37 PM EST reply actions

bleh.

by kofibiney on Dec 30, 2009 7:38 PM EST reply actions

hey! Leighton painted his mask!

by pintium02 on Dec 30, 2009 7:41 PM EST reply actions

wow for awhile there it seemed like the flyers were playing keep away from the Rangers zone…not the best ending to a period ever but 3-0 is 3-0.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 7:44 PM EST reply actions

solid 1st

by (AXP)HBK on Dec 30, 2009 7:44 PM EST reply actions

rangers had 5 shots in that period.

ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.

by kofibiney on Dec 30, 2009 7:44 PM EST reply actions

This is like the most awesomest game ever. Hockey sure is swell.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 7:45 PM EST reply actions

Yeah, but we dont want to use up all our good karma in one game

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 7:46 PM EST up reply actions

+1 id hate to light it up this game and finish 6-0 only to manage a single goal the next game

by edbro on Dec 30, 2009 7:47 PM EST up reply actions

Who’s to say we don’t have infinite karma?

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 7:49 PM EST up reply actions

…check the standings

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 7:52 PM EST up reply actions

PIT 0
NJD 1

A game where I’m just rooting for no OT.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:01 PM EST reply actions

Chad Johnson in net for NYR.

What ever happened to Valiquette?

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:01 PM EST reply actions

They sent him down a couple weeks ago

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:02 PM EST up reply actions

I feel bad for the guy already.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:02 PM EST up reply actions

Goalie switch didnt work

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:02 PM EST reply actions

NICE! Welcome to the game, Chad

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 8:03 PM EST reply actions

GIGGITY GAGS

by pintium02 on Dec 30, 2009 8:03 PM EST reply actions

Now thats the way to really piss Torts off!

by Prometheus74 on Dec 30, 2009 8:03 PM EST reply actions

Pour it on. Please pour it on.

by pintium02 on Dec 30, 2009 8:04 PM EST reply actions

Against this goalie, take the shot.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:06 PM EST reply actions

Danny Syvret on the scoresheet!

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:07 PM EST reply actions

This game is such a mess for the Rangers. I am thoroughly enjoying it.

The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:12 PM EST reply actions

This must be what it’s like to play the Flyers sometimes.

by pintium02 on Dec 30, 2009 8:17 PM EST up reply actions

All in the past. We’re at the beginning of a 63-game win streak here.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions

i like winning.

seriously. fun fun fun.

by kofibiney on Dec 30, 2009 8:13 PM EST reply actions

were taking too many penalties

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:20 PM EST reply actions

let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. I won’t be happy/satisfied until this team is in one of the top 4 seeds. Which, given what was expected at the beginning of the year, that statement alone is kind of sad.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 8:20 PM EST reply actions

As the Penns proved last year, all you really need to do is get in

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:21 PM EST up reply actions

very true

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 8:28 PM EST up reply actions

ok maybe I was reaching with top 4…top 5 would be nice. I wish the NHL did seeding the way the NBA does…even with 3 division’s, the division winners can be no lower than a 4 seed, meaning that a team who finishes 2nd in their division could finish in the top 3 if they have more points than a division champ.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

There were like three posts on that shift.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:21 PM EST reply actions

"ring a ding ding"

Now thats commentating

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:23 PM EST reply actions

Did Coatsey just say OKT is going to the Olympics?

by pintium02 on Dec 30, 2009 8:24 PM EST reply actions

OKT is indeed going to the Olympics.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:25 PM EST up reply actions

winner by default

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:25 PM EST up reply actions

wow, power play

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 8:25 PM EST reply actions

Goin on the pp, lets embarrass these guys.

by You don't have to be sweet, to be good on Dec 30, 2009 8:25 PM EST reply actions

siiiiick save

by You don't have to be sweet, to be good on Dec 30, 2009 8:26 PM EST reply actions

Real nice save there by Johnson.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:26 PM EST reply actions

Chad johnson looking like the real ochocinco

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 8:26 PM EST reply actions

"Couldnt get good wood on it"

Thats what she said

//Couldnt resist

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:27 PM EST reply actions

Ya knew that was coming

by You don't have to be sweet, to be good on Dec 30, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions

nice gaol before the 2 man was over SWEET

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions

A 5-on-3 from hell for Richards, but 5-0 anyway.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions

gagne.

5-0.

by kofibiney on Dec 30, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions

Finally. A 5 on 3 goal. Gagne having a great game

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions

Gane and most importantly before the 1st power play was over

by Prometheus74 on Dec 30, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions

Gagne has had an incredible game.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions

We might have scored, but that was a less than impressive 5 on 3

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions

really? they were getting shot after shot after shot. what more could you ask for?

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 8:29 PM EST up reply actions

An open net goal. Something that should theoretically happen on every 5 on 3.

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:30 PM EST up reply actions

they scored on the 5-3, thats most important.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

it was a good thing they scored on that 5-3, it would have been robbery of the century if they hadn’t. They were peppering that net like they owned it.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions

I missed this team. We are DOMINATING…and on the road too…Happy New Year! Wooooo

by Kanayd on Dec 30, 2009 8:30 PM EST reply actions

Almost a 3 to 1 shots on goal advantage right now. Keep it up!!

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 8:32 PM EST reply actions

Gange is scoring like crazy this game because he is upset he isn’t on Team canada this year

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 8:32 PM EST reply actions

would not be surprised

if that were to be the case.

by kofibiney on Dec 30, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions

that is absolutely retarded… he scoring because he is a goal scorer and has had good opportunities to score in this game

by edbro on Dec 30, 2009 8:39 PM EST up reply actions

I am enjoying the cheers from the fans for the min left in the period

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 8:35 PM EST reply actions

18-5 shot advantage for the period damn since when do the flyers outshoot people

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 8:36 PM EST reply actions

It says a lot about Canada that Briere was nowhere near their bubble.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 8:38 PM EST reply actions

it does.

by kofibiney on Dec 30, 2009 8:40 PM EST up reply actions

yeah i feel he would be crazy on international ice since the rink is bigger

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions

i think their playing on NHL size rinks… but im not 100% sure

by edbro on Dec 30, 2009 8:44 PM EST up reply actions

I think you are correct. NHL rink size

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 8:46 PM EST up reply actions

really? hmmm i guess they just use international rules than no touch icings

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 8:46 PM EST up reply actions

It depends on where it is being held. It would of been the bigger rink if it was Europe.

by Fean on Dec 30, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions

Its the first and only tine they are using the NHL ice.
Canadas pulling a fast one to try and prevent the Russian offensive power house to be more confined.
But normally there are not manny hits in the Olympics. That will not be the case this year!!!

by Prometheus74 on Dec 30, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions

If they made a list of worst defenses of the decade, can we agree that this rangers d is a lock for #1?

by JpH89 on Dec 30, 2009 8:49 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Classic Foe

Well it seems the bruins aren’t saving any goals for friday either….they’re up 4-0 right now

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 8:50 PM EST reply actions

seeing jim jackson without the epic stache

is still weird for me. i can’t really pinpoint why, it just is.

by kofibiney on Dec 30, 2009 8:52 PM EST reply actions

I dont know why

But Pronger remineds me of Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber. I think it might be the teeth.

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:53 PM EST reply actions

lol tru….kick his ass seabass

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

Those skis yours?
……… Both of them?

by Prometheus74 on Dec 30, 2009 8:57 PM EST up reply actions

wow, he must work out.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 9:04 PM EST up reply actions

So I just woke up from a two period slumber, so I’m wonders:
A)should I do this more often?
B) Does the 5-0 reflect how they have looked?

by Kozlowski22 on Dec 30, 2009 8:54 PM EST reply actions

yes to both

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

haha, alright good stuff

by Kozlowski22 on Dec 30, 2009 8:56 PM EST up reply actions

If you stick around, and we lose this game, I swear to god…

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 8:57 PM EST up reply actions

Ha, well I’m off to see Sherlock Holmes so no worries.

by Kozlowski22 on Dec 30, 2009 9:11 PM EST up reply actions

If we win this game, we should finish the night in 8th in the confrence.

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 9:07 PM EST reply actions

I don’t like shot blocking when we’re up by five. Not worth the risk.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 9:08 PM EST reply actions

I know we have a five goal lead, but I would still like a shot this period.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 9:12 PM EST reply actions

there’s a shot HATTRICK!!!!!

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 9:12 PM EST up reply actions

Hat trick for Gagne! Allezzzzzz.

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 9:13 PM EST reply actions

A Hat Trick

by Prometheus74 on Dec 30, 2009 9:13 PM EST reply actions

Of the natural variety

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 9:13 PM EST up reply actions

To bad there wasn’t hats on the ice.

by Fean on Dec 30, 2009 9:14 PM EST up reply actions

Go Go Gags

by Kozlowski22 on Dec 30, 2009 9:14 PM EST reply actions

Gags is back

by edbro on Dec 30, 2009 9:14 PM EST reply actions

I’m just saying Gags is pissed for not making team canada

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 9:15 PM EST reply actions

I wonder if i can trade my santa sack for a road game hahah

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 9:17 PM EST reply actions

2 hat tricks against the Rangers is a pretty sweet stat.

by Parduno on Dec 30, 2009 9:18 PM EST reply actions

how awesome would it be if “Ill state of mind” started playing at MSG?

by Parduno on Dec 30, 2009 9:19 PM EST reply actions

I wonder if this chad johnson wants to chang his name after this game.

by JpH89 on Dec 30, 2009 9:20 PM EST via mobile reply actions

to what? “Chad Rappedbygange”?

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 9:21 PM EST up reply actions

Leighton buying himself a start on Friday?

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 9:20 PM EST reply actions

To be honest, it’s not like he’s played any top tier teams.

by pintium02 on Dec 30, 2009 9:21 PM EST up reply actions

True. Though, the team has played well in front of him. And Boosh has missed the last several. Might be best to ride the hot hand.

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions

Shutout holler….Good Victory

by Zachswider on Dec 30, 2009 9:24 PM EST reply actions

A Shutout to end the year!

by Prometheus74 on Dec 30, 2009 9:24 PM EST reply actions

decade

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions

Nice, what a dominating win!

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 9:25 PM EST reply actions

Woot woot Shut out.

by pintium02 on Dec 30, 2009 9:25 PM EST reply actions

shutout

by philiafan14364 on Dec 30, 2009 9:25 PM EST reply actions

Largest all time winning margin for the Flyers at MSG

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by Ben Rothenberg on Dec 30, 2009 9:25 PM EST reply actions

Leighton should start on friday…

by edbro on Dec 30, 2009 9:29 PM EST reply actions

I think you have to go with what got you here and Leighton has won the last 4.

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions

dont fix it if it aint broken

by edbro on Dec 30, 2009 9:42 PM EST up reply actions

He will start. He has earned that much.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 9:33 PM EST reply actions

Is that a Purdue icon?!?

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions

It is. Yes.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 9:36 PM EST reply actions

Ugh, lol

IU fan. (Bloomington, born and raised)

I’m not sure when our hoops team will be back. Took a huge step back the other night when Creek went down with a season ending knee injury

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 9:38 PM EST up reply actions

I am actually from NJ but live in Harrisburg, PA now. not sure what actually attracted me to Purdue…I became a fan when they had Cardinal and Miller. Been rooting for them ever since. It’s funny because in college football I am a Penn State fan. Go up to a few games at in Happy Valley every year. Speaking of which, I am going to see Purdue play PSU in Happy Valley in March. First time I have ever seen the Boilermakers b-ball team live.

IU will be back soon enough. I think they just need a solid coach who can recruit. I would love for IU and Purdue to rekindle their rivalry. Right now its a bit one sided sad to say.

Good luck to your squad.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 9:41 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks.

I’d like to think Crean is the coach that will get us back to where we were. It will just take some time.

I can’t wait for the day the Purdue – IU rivalry is back!

I’m in Virginia and haven’t been to a live game in I don’t know how long. I’m planning to get back to Bloomington next year for a game.

Purdue has a great team this year. Enjoy the PSU game, and good luck this year…maybe we can steal one from you, haha

by sneech on Dec 30, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions

Anything is possible thats for sure.

Purdue does have a solid team, defensively they are unreal. They force turnovers like nothing I have ever seen. When they clamp down, forget about it.

My only concern is that they don’t have that go to guy that can take over and win you a game like Kansas, UK, Texas, Cuse etc. They are a great team but not great enough in my opinion. I do think Final Four is not an impossibility.

by EREX21 on Dec 30, 2009 9:59 PM EST reply actions