In less than an hour the Rangers will start their final regular season game of the season - in South Philly against the Flyers. This is a home and home series for the Rangers, but, interestingly, not so for the Flyers, who played a game in between - beating the 'slanders yesterday (or does that even count as a competitive game?)The Rangers, despite being tied for 9th place with the Florida Panthers with 93 points - have in fact clinched a 7th seed and an opening round playoff match up against the Washington Capitals. (The playoff schedule has not been officially announced yet - but we're hearing Wednesday and Friday night games in DC, followed by Sunday and Tuesdays games at the Garden.)
The Flyers, on the other hand, have something to play for. They're tied with Pittsburgh for 4th place with that final game at hand. And, they're locked in to play Pittsburgh as their first round opponents. So a point today will give Philly the extra home game - a regulation loss will give the Penguins the home edge.
Ranger coach Tortorelli had said "We're going to try and win Sunday," but coaches rarely announce they're trying to lose. This would seem like an ideal opportunity to get Hank some rest, and Stephen Valiquette some ice time. In fact, Steve is a surprizing 5-1-1 with a 1.65 GAA in his last seven games against Philadelphia, while Hank's Goals-Against average is over 3 when playing the Flyers.
Of course, NY Football Giant's Coach had a similar opportunity to rest his front line players against the Patriots in week 17 two seasons ago - but he went for the win and started the team on it's improbable climb to World Champions - so who knows what Tortorelli will do?
Anyway - it's our first (and last) chance in weeks to sit back and enjoy some Ranger hockey without life and death hanging in the balance. Try to have some fun watching - things will be getting very tense again come Wednesday.
Dave Pucks Obvious Keys To The Game
1 -Nobody get hurt
2 - rule #1 only applies to the Rangers
This has been Dave Pucks .....
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