Rangers, Flyers Touch Gloves at MSG | IXGAMES
It’s been 40 years since the Philadelphia Flyers were put in the old Patrick Division with the New York Rangers. They’ve been at each other’s throats ever since, and they’ll be at it again this week on Wednesday Night Rivalry (8:00 PM ET, NBCSN). The last time we saw these two teams hook up was in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, which the Rangers (7-7-4, minus-5.61 units) won 4-3 en route to the NHL finals. Madison Square Garden should play a vital role this week; the Flyers (7-7-2, plus-3.82 units) are 2-5 on the road thus far, and they’re 1-11 in their last dozen games at MSG. Philadelphia also might not have its captain and best player on the ice. Claude Giroux (five goals, 16 assists in 21 games) was held out of Tuesday’s practice after undergoing a medical evaluation on Monday. The Flyers say it’s just a “maintenance day,” but we’ll see. Defenseman Luke Schenn (shoulder) is also a question mark to return to Philly’s injury-riddled blueline. The Rangers have dropped five of their last six, but the odds should be tilted in their favor this week.