Game #48: Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Rangers Open Thread

The Rangers are back in action for a pivotal Metropolitan Division rivalry matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers. While most of the Rangers-Flyers clashes in recent years haven't been worth much other than bragging rights, both teams are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, and two points for either team will go a long way towards moving further up the standings and closer to a wild card spot.

Both New York and Philadelphia enter play on Thursday with 50 points, although the Rangers are ahead of the Flyers by virtue of having a game in hand. With games against Western Conference powerhouses Colorado and Vegas, as well as other Eastern Conference foes ahead of it in the standings, tonight's contest is one Peter Laviolette's squad can't afford to lose. The Rangers will look to extend their point streak to ten games, but would rather see that come via a seventh win in the last ten rather than a fourth overtime loss to improve on the 6-0-3 record.

Player to Watch: Artemi Panarin

Philadelphia's biggest new addition this year has been Russian rookie Matvei Michkov, the seventh overall selection of the 2022 Entry Draft. Michkov has found the score sheet in five of his previous six games, so it'll be on New York's defenseman to keep him contained. As for the Blueshirts offense, they have a Russian superstar of their own in Panarin. Once again leading the Rangers in points, Panarin will look to crack the 50 point barrier tonight as he skates in his 46th game of the season, keeping him on track for yet another point per game season. Keep an eye on Panarin as New York's most dynamic offensive player does his things en route to (hopefully!) a victory tonight.

Enjoy the game!