The NHL playoffs will drop the puck starting Wednesday and with the new playoff format the seedings mean little to nothing concerning the match ups. The first series we will look at is the No. 5 New York Rangers vs. the No. 6 Philadelphia Flyers
Breakdown: Another series that has the potential to not only go seven games, but to be a slugfest in the process. The Flyers enter as a team that can score in bunches and isn’t afraid to set the tone physically. Their defense has been an issue all season and with Steve Mason returning at less than 100 percent the Flyers will have to use every opportunity the Rangers give them. The Rangers have some goal scorers of their own, but they have been lackluster as of late. None of this matters to the Rangers as long as they have Henrik Lundqvist in net.
Flyer to Watch: Steve Mason
Mason has missed some time with an upper body injury, but it has been reported that it was just a precaution. Mason has only appeared in four playoff games and lacks the experience that you would like from a goaltender. Backup Ray Emery has to be ready to go at any point on the chance Mason reinsures himself or the Rangers chases him off. Emery is 7-2 with a 1.93 goals against average against the Rangers.
Ranger to Watch: Martin St. Louis
St. Louis has struggled since being acquired by the Rangers in their huge trade, but there would be no better time for him to emerge. St. Louis could take advantage of the suspect defense of the Flyers and bully Steve Mason with a clear shot. It could be the time for St. Louis to come out of his shell and prove he was worth it.
Prediction: Flyers in 7
The Rangers struggles on the power play will give the Flyers an advantage at times and this year could be the year that Lundqvist simply can’t carry the Rangers alone. If St. Louis and Rick Nash play up to their potential then this one could go either way. These teams haven't met in the playoffs since 1997
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