The Game: 7:00 p.m. EST on NBCSports Philadelphia, ESPN+/Hulu, and 93.3 WMMR
The collapse happened quickly, but it feels like forever. The Philadelphia Flyers have lost eight in a row, and tonight they face the President’s Trophy contending New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Considering how poor the Flyers looked against the Canadiens on Tuesday, it’s entirely likely that losing streak hits nine games.
What else is there to say at this point? Joel Farabee scored a goal in Montreal–his first since March 16 against the Boston Bruins–but it feels all too little too late. Travis Konecny isn’t playing like the best player on the team, and while that could be due to injury, some of his ill-advised penalties and clears have cost the Flyers dearly. Jamie Drysdale was a whopping minus-six against the Habs, and other young players looked utterly lost for most of the game. It was ugly, and it might get ugly again tonight–and that’s before taking the almost-guaranteed Nic Deslauriers-Matt Rempe fight into account.
The Rangers had a rough showing against the Islanders earlier this week, but they’re 8-2-0 in their last 10–a record befitting the team atop the Metropolitan Division. They’ve gotten healthy since the last time they faced the Flyers, meaning they’re operating at full capacity (minus Filip Chytil and Blake Wheeler, who’ve had season-ending injuries), and deadline acquisition Alex Wennberg has turned into the perfect 3C for the team. Most terrifying of all, Igor Shesterkin is back and locked in after a shaky start to the season–and Jonathan Quick looks like he’s back in his prime when he carried the LA Kings to two Stanley Cups.
All to say: prepare for another loss that could get out of hand quickly. If the Canadiens could put up nine against the Flyers, who’s to say the Rangers don’t put up a few more in a throwback to the infamous 9-0 game a couple years back?
Players to Watch
Joel Farabee
Well, he got a Joal on Tuesday, so maybe he can finish the year on a scoring streak. It’d be nice to see after such a dominant first half giving way to an abysmal second half.
Scott Laughton
This recent slide has shown just how far away the Flyers are from contending–which means some major roster changes could be in the works come the off season. Scott Laughton’s name was floated often in rumors leading up to the trade deadline, and the same will likely happen this summer; he may not be a Flyer by the start of next season, so enjoy these last few games with him while you can.
Artemi Panarin
It’s too late for a Hart campaign, but Panarin should be a finalist this season–he’s the most deserving candidate in the Metro. With 46 goals and 116 points, he has been the engine of the Rangers’ offense, and has elevated the play of “bust” Alexis Lafreniere. Watch for him to style on the Flyers one last time this season.
Projected Lineups
Philadelphia Flyers
Tyson Foerster – Morgan Frost – Owen Tippett
Joel Farabee – Scott Laughton – Travis Konecny
Cam Atkinson – Ryan Poehling – Garnet Hathaway
Noah Cates – Sean Couturier – Bobby Brink
Cam York – Travis Sanheim
Nick Seeler – Jamie Drysdale
Egor Zamula – Eric Johnson
Sam Ersson
(Ivan Fedotov)
New York Rangers
Chris Kreider – Mika Zibanejad – Jack Roslovic
Artemi Parnarin – Vincent Trocheck – Alexis Lafreniere
Will Cuylle – Alex Wennberg – Kaapo Kakko
Barclay Goodrow – Jonny Brodzinski – Matt Rempe
Ryan Lindgren – Adam Fox
K’Andre Miller – Jacob Trouba
Erik Gustafsson – Braden Schneider
Jonathan Quick
(Igor Shesterkin)
Gameday Tunes
“I’d seen it comin’ / It’s no surprise / I know you’re tired of tryin’ / Listen clearly, you don’t have to try”
Love a return to form for Vampire Weekend. For the Flyers: you really don’t have to try–just accept the end of the season and shoot for a slightly higher draft pick. Or finally break through and beat the rangers, either result is acceptable at this point.
Stats via Hockey Reference
