11/26/11 Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers

There's no business like show business.

Rangers against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Fresh off of a game not even 24 hours ago, the Rangers are lacing up once again to play another game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Rangers beat the Capitals to the tune of their best offensive showing of the season, 6-3. Henrik Lundqvist looked sharp in net throughout the game, despite letting in three goals, he made stellar saves throughout the 1st. period that kept the Rangers and Capitals scoreless. Now, they have a bigger challenge in front of them with the Philadelphia Flyers, the team they will be facing in the Winter Classic. And yes, cameras will be rolling tonight for HBO's 24/7 series to capture all that happens on and off the ice to replay to us in uncensored, high-definition glory.

Back from a long road trip, the Rangers have found their touch for the most part. There are games where all three elements of the game (offense, defense, and goaltending) we're firing on all cylinders, and the Rangers picked up a win. And even when one of those elements was struggling, the Rangers managed to find a way to heighten one of the elements that was working to propel the other and lead to a win. It is not easy, but the Rangers are getting it done any way they can.

The Flyers are performing just like they have for the past two years since they went to the Stanley Cup Finals: as contenders. With new additions in net with Ilya Bryzgalov, and veteran Jaromir Jagr, they have a presence that the teams of before never had. They will be a tougher opponent this year, but not an impossible one.

The Diagnosis

The Rangers and Flyers never disappoint, and today's game won't either. I expect a highly physical game from both teams. For the Rangers, it's going to be hard to contain the Flyers because they have so many weapons at their disposal. Every single player on their roster seems like they can put in a goal on any given night when needed. It will be an uphill battle for the Rangers today.

The Prediction

Flyers win 4-3.

Jaromir Jagr will get the first Flyers goal early in the 1st.

Brandon Dubinsky will get the first Rangers goal shortly after.

Claude Giroux will put the Flyers up one late in the 1st.

James van Riemsdyk will score the next Flyers goal late in the 2nd.

Brad Richards will get a goal to pull the Rangers within one also in the 2nd.

Jaromir Jagr will get another goal early in the 3rd.

And finally, Marian Gaborik will get the final Rangers goal late in the 3rd.

Enjoy the game!