NHL Playoffs Series Preview: New York Rangers - Philadelphia Flyers

2013-14 Season Series

The 2013-14 Stanley Cup Playoffs are almost underway and the Rangers and Flyers meet tonight for the first game of their series. There are several intriguing matchups featuring some perennial playoff teams in both conferences, and even some surprise teams making it as well. This particular series between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers is going to be a hard-fought one for the ages. In the end it is going to come down to whichever team can win on the road. Neither team was able to get that done during the regular season, with the home team winning each contest. The team able to win on the road will most likely be the team that advances to the next round. This is going to be a very even matchup if the season series is any indication. This will be the 11th meeting all-time between these two teams in the playoffs. The last time was the 1997 Eastern Conference Finals with the Flyers winning the series 4-1. Overall Philadelphia holds a 6-4 playoff series lead against New York.

New York Rangers (45-31-6, 96pts)

Regular Season

With their awful start to the 2013-14 season, it is hard to believe the Rangers finished they way they did. Opening the season with nine straight road games due to construction to Madison Square Garden, the Rangers seemed a bit lost and overmatched. As the season progressed, things started to change and they found themselves climbing up in the Eastern Conference and ultimately finishing second in the Metropolitan Conference behind the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In order for teams to be successful over the long NHL season, players need to step up and get the job done at different times. The New York Rangers were no different this season. Cam Talbot who was called up from the American Hockey League's Hartford Wolfpack was utterly superb when he was called upon to step in for Henrik Lundqvist when he was injured. Players like Mats Zuccarello and Chirs Kreider were also spark plugs for the Rangers when they needed it the most.  

Keys To Win

In order for the New York Rangers to advance to the second round, one thing needs to happen. They need to continue playing the way they did in order to get them to be where they are heading into the playoffs. It took quite a while for the team to mesh as a unit, but once it did they became a deep, dangerous group. On top of that they need to continue having superb goaltending because in the playoffs you can ride a hot goalie all the way to glory. The Rangers have one of the best between the pipes in Lundqvist.

Key Players

Henrik Lunqvist (33-24-5, 2.36 GAA, .920 SV%)

Rick Nash (26 G, 13 A, +10)

Key Injuries

Ryan McDonagh (arm) should be ready for the series

Philadelphia Flyers (42-30-10, 94pts)

Regular Season

The Philadelphia Flyers may not have had to deal with a 9-game road trip to start the season, but they did have their share of early let downs. Opening the season 3-7-0 was not the start they were hoping for. The Flyers offense was a huge concern in the early going but was able to find its way back as the season progressed. The Flyers finished in third place in the Metropolitan Division just two points behind the Rangers.  

One of the things that the Flyers have lacked in previous seasons is consistency in net. Steve Mason was fantastic this year in the games he started and could be just what they need to get them to the next level. Forward Vincent Lecavalier was a welcome addition to the team and brought veteran leadership to go along with the pieces already in place. Claude Giroux had another outstanding season tallying his second highest point total for his career.  

Keys To Win 

The Flyers need to play a tough physical game if they want to beat the Rangers. Philadelphia has the size but needs to be creative and use it to their advantage. Limiting penalties will also be key for a team that was among the league leaders in penalty minutes. As is the case with the Rangers, Steve Mason will have to be on top of his game if the Flyers are to advance.

Key Players

Claude Giroux (28 G, 58 A, +7)

Steve Mason (33-18-7, 2.50 GAA, .917 SV%)

Key Injuries

Steve Mason (Upper Body) is a concern but should be ready for the series

Playoff Schedule

* - If Necessary

Prediction

This is going to be a very hard-fought series with plenty of action to go around. Both teams have a ton of talent and it will be on display for all seven games. There is no way this series doesn't go the distance with how evenly matched these two teams are. In the end there is no way this writer can bet against Henrik Lundqvist. The Rangers will win this series 4-3.