Gameday 24 Preview: Flyers vs. Rangers

Still, the ability to win games without their best performance is a sign of growth for this team. In years past, they may have let a scrappy contest like that slip away. But this year's Flyers are learning how to grind out wins, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. Against a formidable opponent like the Rangers, they'll need to pair that grit with a more polished effort if they want to keep the momentum rolling.

A Chance To Shine

There's something about high-stakes games that seems to bring out the best in these Flyers. Whether it's the seven overtime periods they've played this month (yes, seven) or tight contests against top teams, this group thrives when the pressure is on.

A Black Friday game against one of their biggest rivals is the perfect opportunity for the Flyers to show off. The Rangers are an established institution with firepower up and down the lineup, and their disciplined defensive structure will be a major test for the Flyers' offense.

But the Flyers have relished the chance to punch above their weight this season, and a win here would only further solidify their reputation as a team that refuses to back down.

Travel Fatigue vs. Rivalry Energy

This week has been anything but restful for the Flyers. Monday's shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, Wednesday's overtime thriller in Nashville, and now a quick turnaround to face the Rangers at home make for a jam-packed schedule.

While the travel could leave the Flyers a step behind physically, the energy of a rivalry game on home ice might be just the spark they need to compensate. The Rangers are always a draw at the Wells Fargo Center, and with the Metropolitan Division standings tightening, this matchup carries extra significance. Expect the Flyers to dig deep, feed off the crowd, and lean on their identity as a hardworking, never-say-die team to overcome any lingering fatigue. 

Projected Lines

Philadelphia Flyers

Forwards:

Joel Farabee - Sean Couturier - Travis Konecny

Owen Tippett - Morgan Frost - Matvei Michkov

Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink

Scott Laughton - Ryan Poehling - Garnet Hathaway

Defense:

Cam York - Travis Sanheim

Emil Andrae - Rasmus Ristolainen

Nick Seeler - Helge Grans

Starting Goalie:

Ivan Fedotov

New York Rangers

Forwards:

Artemi Panarin - Vincent Trocheck - Alexis Lafreniere

Will Cuylle - Mika Zibanejad - Brett Berard

Adam Edstrom - Kaapo Kakko - Reilly Smith

Jimmy Vesey - Sam Carrick - Jonny Brodzinski

Defense:

Ryan Lindgren - Adam Fox

K'Andre Miller - Jacob Trouba

Zac Jones - Braden Schneider

Starting Goalie:

Igor Shesterkin