Standings: Flyers (21-8-4), Rangers (20-8-4)

Leading Scorer: Claude Giroux (17-26-43)

Goaltender: Ilya Bryzgalov (24 GP, 2.87 GAA, .900 SV%)

Rangers Lines (probable):

Artem Anisimov-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Ryan Callahan
Brandon Dubinsky-Brian Boyle-John Mitchell
Ruslan Fedotenko-Mike Rupp-Brandon Prust

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Anton Stralman
Tim Erixon-Stu Bickel

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Scratches/Injuries: Marc Staal (concussion symptoms), Wojtek Wolski (groin), Mike Sauer (concussion), Sean Avery (healthy), Erik Christensen (healthy), Jeff Woywitka (foot)

Preview: The Flyers were banged up, and received bad news when Chris Pronger was said to be out for the year. But with the bad comes the good, as Claude Giroux came back and recorded four points in his return from his concussion. The Rangers are even more banged up, with three guys that were afterthoughts in the preseason getting significant playing time on the blue line. The last time these two teams squared off, the Rangers won 2-0 and the footage was used as a preview/introduction to the 24/7 series on HBO.

This game will be a lot like the last game, but expect the Flyers to come out with more snarl. This is, afterall, the big lead-in game to the Winter Classic and the final 24/7 episode. The Flyers definitely have more skill than the Rangers, especially with the recent rash of injuries. However, the Rangers do match up well with the Flyers, as both are grinding teams that play a physical game.

Jaromir Jagr is back in the lineup for the Flyers, which means even less backchecking by a team that struggles with forwards playing defense. Danny Briere appears to be out, so let’s call that a wash from the last time these two teams met. A win tonight and a loss by the Bruins means the Rangers take over first place in the Eastern Conference. They know what’s on the line.

Crazy Thought: Someone showboats for the cameras.

Opponent’s Blog: Flyers Fan Central

Game time tonight is 7pm on MSG, AM1050 and XM214.

Just a scheduling note: none of us are around to get the recap, so there won’t be one posted tonight. We may get one tomorrow night. If you want to write a guest recap and email it to us, by all means go for it.

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