Rangers at Flyers … It’s Go Time!

Game 22

Rangers at Flyers -1:00 PM NBC

I hope you all had a happy and healthy Thansgiving.  Today is the first meeting between these two historically bitter rivals.  During the Thanksgiving day parade, Graves and Lindros stood next to each other on a float to promote the game.  I can’t imagine that they would have been able to do that 20 years ago.

While I am off from work today, I will be watching this game on a delay since I will be outside doing yardwork during the game, but listening on radio via the NHL app. Clearly, this is an HAV.

Tonight’s probable lineup for the Rangers (14-6-1):

Michael Grabner-Derek Stepan-Rick Nash

Chris Kreider-Kevin Hayes-Mats Zuccarello

Jimmy Vesey-Brandon Pirri-J.T. Miller

Matt Puempel-Josh Jooris-Jesper Fast

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi

Marc Staal-Nick Holden

Brady Skjei-Kevin Klein

The big news, of course, is that Matt Puempel makes his Rangers debut in place of Oscar Lindberg, who is Prucha’d.  The lines otherwise remain unchanged from the last game against Pittsburgh, because why mess with such a smashing success?  Puempel will also see some time on the PP.  As for Lindberg, you have to figure he is not long for this team.

Lundqvist gets the start in goal.  I find all of the Raanta clamoring hysterical.  Everyone always loves the backup.  I wonder if these people were begging for Healy in 94.

 

The defense remains unchanged, so Clendening remains Prucha’d for a fourth straight game. I still disagree with this arrangement. Skjei should be playing more often, not less.

For the Flyers, (9-9-3), the story of the season is their league worst .880 save percentage from their goaltending.  However, more immediately, Sean Couturier is out 4-6 weeks with a “lower body injury.”  Scott Laughton has been recalled to replace him in the lineup.

The Flyers’ defense is in a bit of disarray.  Former Ranger Michael Del Zotto is in one of his trademark down years and is a healthy scratch.  Formerly abandoned to the AHL Andrew MacDonald is on their first pair with Shane Gostisbehere.  On the third pair is predator Radko Gudas.  I’m sure he will do something that is borderline or over the line, and it will be interesting to see how the Rangers respond, especially since they rolled over after Crosby ragdolled McDonagh on Wednesday.

Don’t forget to tell everyone you know and to follow me on Twitter @rangersreport2. And don’t forget to vote for your three stars after the game!