Flyers

Flyers-Rangers: Game 33 Preview

By
Kevin Durso
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Kevin Durso Sports Editor

I have been writing for Sports Talk Philly since 2011. Currently editor and lead writer of Philadelphia Flyers coverage. Co-host of the YWT Podcast. I also am Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN-FM in South Jersey. I graduated from Cabrini University in 2014.

All posts by Kevin Durso
Sports Editor

Published27 Mar 2021

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By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor Flyers-Rangers: Game 33 Preview

It can't possibly get much worse. After a 9-0 loss last week, the Flyers somehow found a way to repeat that performance on Thursday, falling behind 6-0 early in the second on their way to an 8-3 loss.

The Rangers are back at Wells Fargo Center again on Saturday afternoon to take on the Flyers again, with the Flyers desperately needing to do something to turn their season around or face some significant consequences of a lost season.

Game time is at 1 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers GP G A P New York Rangers GP G A P
James van Riemsdyk 32 13 18 31 Pavel Buchnevich 31 13 18 31
Joel Farabee 31 14 13 27 Ryan Strome 32 11 19 30
Jake Voracek 29 5 20 25 Artemi Panarin 21 8 21 29
Claude Giroux 30 8 17 25 Mika Zibanejad 32 10 16 26
Kevin Hayes 32 10 13 23 Adam Fox 31 3 23 26

Players To Watch 3-27

Once again, a game like Thursday's warrants a response from the team in some way. Even if change is necessary, even if this season can't be saved, at least show you have a pulse and care a little bit about the result. Claude Giroux needs to lead the way on that front.
 
Not to pick the same guy twice in a row, but Mika Zibanejad had two games for the ages against the Flyers in the last eight days. There's no reason to think he can't somewhat repeat that on Saturday, given his six goals and 12 points over two games, helping to fuel a stretch of 15 points in his last five.
 
Goalie Matchup 3-27

Brian Elliott finished off Thursday's game in relief and only allowed three goals instead of four like the last time the two teams met. Elliott will get the chance to go in goal and be the last line of defense against what the Flyers hope isn't another barrage of Rangers chances.

Igor Shesterkin was certainly able to get back into a rhythm with a 41-save performance in Thursday's game. Despite allowing three goals, he was very solid and figures to be a key piece for the Rangers down the stretch. He gets right back in goal on Saturday.

Projected Lineups

Flyers Line Combos 3-27

Flyers Scratches: Morgan Frost (injury), Robert Hagg (injured), Erik Gustafsson (healthy)

 
Opponent Line Combos 3-27

Rangers Scratches: Brett Howden (COVID protocol), Phillip Di Giuseppe (healthy)

Lineup Notes

  • Flyers: Aside from the change in goal, no other changes are expected to the Flyers lineup.
  • Rangers: The Rangers will also use the same lineup as the previous game on Saturday.

Game Notes

  • Power Play: Flyers (T-15th), Rangers (25th)
  • Penalty Kill: Flyers (28th), Rangers (5th)
  • Recent History vs. Rangers
    • Feb. 18, 2021 – Rangers 3, Flyers 2 (F/SO) (at PHI)
    • Feb. 24, 2021 – Flyers 4, Rangers 3 (at PHI)
    • March 15, 2021 – Flyers 5, Rangers 4 (F/OT) (at NYR)
    • March 17, 2021 – Rangers 9, Flyers 0 (at NYR)
    • March 25, 2021 – Rangers 8, Flyers 3 (at PHI)
  • Flyers Leaders vs. Rangers
    • Joel Farabee – 6 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 P
    • Kevin Hayes – 8 GP, 5 G, 3 A, 8 P
    • Claude Giroux – 60 GP, 14 G, 43 A, 57 P
    • Jake Voracek – 45 GP, 14 G, 25 A, 39 P
    • Brian Elliott – 15 GP, 4-9-1, 3.35 GAA, .875 SV%

Where to Watch
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic/97.3 ESPN