Peepin' Foes: Philadelphia Flyers

Nashville was a must-win for the Rangers but this home-and-home against Philly this weekend could be just as big for the Blueshirts. A sweep or even a split would be fantastic to keep the Rangers in a playoff position.

Where We Are: To beat the Predators was nice, to do it in regulation, in the manner the Rangers did it was fantastic. The unfortunate thing is that, to date, the Blueshirts have been unable to carry over that momentum. Saturday would be the perfect game to start.

Where They Are: The Flyers had a two game win streak - including a 4-1 victory over Nashville - broken on Thursday night by Alexander Ovechkin and Jose Theodore. Ovechkin basically proved that he was the best player in the NHL in the game with stellar defensive play to go with his game-winner goal and Theodore made 36 saves. There should be no shame on Broad Street for the loss and they will bring their best to beat the Blueshirts.

Who To Watch For: Mike Richards is one of the top five all-around players in the NHL and somehow Jeff Carter has become one of the best scorers. They still have Simon Gagne and Mike Knuble but watch out for Scott Hartnell, who always plays the Rangers tough. Kimmo Timonen is everything in an defenseman that Wade "Out and Drown" Redden is not - meaning he is good.

What To Watch For: Sean Avery, Ryan Callahan and Scott Gomez to get a lot of time and hopefully set the tempo. They will be playing in a hostile environment so they should be at their best. Then again, they aren't going to be playing against a soft team like Nashville so Aaron Asham, Danny Carcillo and Riley Cote are sure to make a statement - especially in their own building.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: No Rangers getting the Philly flu. The Flyers will play them tough and the Blueshirts have to answer the bell, while still playing smart, responsible hockey. Oh, we will hopefully NOT see another 3-on-5 goal by Richards. It happened, we can say we saw something rare in hockey and woe be the team that gives it up again.

Also Check Out: Their blogosphere is woefully underdeveloped but the best I could find was Broad Street Hockey over at SBN.

 Peepin' Foes: Philadelphia Flyers - A Historic NHL Rivalry

The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers is one of the most storied and intense rivalries in NHL history. Dating back to the 1960s, these two teams have clashed numerous times, creating memorable moments and passionate fan engagement. In this article, we will delve into the history of this iconic rivalry, the key moments, standout players, and answer some frequently asked questions about the Rangers-Flyers feud.

A Historical Rivalry

The Rangers and Flyers have been adversaries for over half a century, and their matchups have become must-watch events for hockey fans on both sides. The rivalry has been fueled by a combination of geographic proximity, playoff battles, and a shared desire for supremacy in the tough Metropolitan Division.

Key Moments in the Rivalry

The Broad Street Bullies Era: The Flyers gained notoriety in the 1970s for their physical style of play, earning them the nickname "Broad Street Bullies." This era saw intense battles between the Flyers and Rangers, including playoff showdowns.

The Lindros Era: In the 1990s, the Rangers and Flyers both featured superstar centers: Mark Messier for the Rangers and Eric Lindros for the Flyers. Their clashes added a new chapter to the rivalry and brought it back into the spotlight.

The 2012 Winter Classic: The rivalry took center stage at the 2012 Winter Classic, an outdoor game held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The game was a showcase of the passion and intensity that define this rivalry.

Key Players in the Rivalry

Mark Messier: Known as one of the greatest leaders in NHL history, Messier's battles against the Flyers in the 1990s left an indelible mark on the rivalry.

Bobby Clarke: Clarke, a Flyers legend, was at the forefront of the Broad Street Bullies era and was a central figure in many heated Rangers-Flyers matchups.

Henrik Lundqvist: In the modern era, Lundqvist, the Rangers' star goaltender, has faced off against the Flyers in numerous memorable games. His stellar play has often been the difference-maker in these contests.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rangers-Flyers Rivalry

Why is the Rangers-Flyers rivalry so intense?

The intensity of the rivalry stems from factors like geographic proximity, playoff matchups, and the passionate fan bases of both teams. The desire to assert dominance in the Metropolitan Division adds to the intensity.

What are some of the most memorable playoff series between the Rangers and Flyers?

The 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cup Finals featured the Rangers and Flyers, with the Flyers winning both times. The 2014 first-round playoff series, won by the Rangers, is also memorable.

How do fans contribute to the rivalry?

Fans play a significant role by bringing energy and intensity to games. Chants, banners, and a general sense of rivalry pride are evident in the stands during Rangers-Flyers matchups.

The Rangers-Flyers rivalry is a testament to the passion and intensity that define the sport of hockey. From the Broad Street Bullies era to modern-day clashes, these two teams have provided fans with unforgettable moments and fierce competition. While the rivalry has its moments of heated battles and animosity, it also showcases the rich history and tradition of the NHL. As long as these two teams continue to face off, the Rangers-Flyers rivalry will remain one of the cornerstones of hockey history.