Photo Credit: HBO

Photo Credit: HBO

The Rangers are in Philly tonight to take on the Flyers in the second game of the 2013 preseason. The roster for today’s game is again comprised mostly of kids that the coaching staff wants to see play in game situations. It is worth noting that Jesper Fast and Oscar Lindberg will not only be on the same line, but will play top six minutes, per Steve Zipay.

Last year, the Flyers ran a bit of a hybrid forechecking system. The first look is the 2-1-2 forecheck, and once the Flyers get a lead, they tend to switch to a more conservative 2-3 left wing lock. Both systems send two forecheckers into the zone, but the 2-3 leaves one forward high in the zone, while the 2-1-2 sends an additional forechecker  in deep. The 2-12 also allows defensemen to join the forecheck.

In their own zone, the Flyers play a low zone collapse. This creates a logjam in the high-priced real estate, but gives some leeway at the point for puck movement. On special teams, the Flyers play an umbrella powerplay (like most NHL teams) and a diamond penalty kill.

Rangers Lineup:

Benoit Pouliot-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello
Taylor Pyatt-Oscar Lindberg-Jesper Fast
Andrew Yogan, Derek Dorsett, Dominic Moore, Michael Kantor, Darroll Powe, Micheal Haley

Dylan McIlrath, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, Danny Syvret, Anton Stralman, Connor Allen

Cam Talbot
Martin Biron

It is interesting to see Powe and Moore in the lineup again, as I see them as competing against each other for a fourth line spot. I’m also looking forward to seeing McIlrath and Allen up close, instead of in a highlight reel.

Don’t forget to check out New York Rangers Tickets link for deals to attend games.

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