NHL Pick:The Race for Eight – Philadelphia Visits Rangers

We are down to the final weekend of the regular season in the NHL and while all of the Western Conference teams have been decided, the Eastern Conference playoff race is far from over. A weekend home-and home series between the Flyers and Rangers begins tonight with the victor in the series likely moving on to the post season.

Philadelphia Flyers (40-34-6) New York Rangers (37-33-10)
7:00 PM ET, Friday, April 9, 2010
Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
ON: XM Satellite Radio Channel 204

Philadelphia Flyers: +130

The Philadelphia Flyers have not made it easy on themselves the last three weeks or so. The Flyers appeared to be free falling out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture but a combination of timely wins and their competition playing poorly has the Flyers still control their own destiny. One regulation win against the Rangers this weekend will guarantee the Flyers yet another playoff berth.

The Flyers have been relying on their lesser players for scoring in their last few games. Simone Gagne is pointless in his last four games, Scott Hartnell is pointless in three and Daniel Briere has been largely invisible. Names like Claude Giroux who has three points in his last two games and Ian LaPerriere who has two points in his last two have been the spark that the Flyers have needed. The Flyers could get a major boost this weekend when Jeff Carter returns to the lineup.

New York Rangers: -150

The New York Rangers have ridden a 6-3-1 streak in their last 10 games into the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Rangers are 6-1 in their last seven games. New York needs a win in regulation this weekend and at least one point in the other game to qualify for the post season.

The New York Rangers transformation from underachieving softies to serious playoff contender has come because of a renewed focus on effort, team play and grit. Heart and passion are essential to a winning team and for the majority of the season, Coach John Tortarella has been unable to motivate his group. Marian Gaborik suddenly has eleven points in his last ten games and Brandon Dubinski has three points in his last two. Ryan Calahan has responded to his coach’s criticism and has delivered strong performances of late.

The Rangers’ turnaround has also been tied to the strong play of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. He appears to have shaken off his “average streak” and is now playing like the elite puck stopper that is expected. He was 5-0-1 before his sub-par outing in his last game against Buffalo. In the four games prior to the Buffalo game, Lundqvist had a 1.46 goals against average with a .946 save percentage.

The Eastern Conference playoff race is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Despite a .500 record at home, I expect the Rangers to come away with the win in this game. They are simply the better team at the moment.

Pick: New York Rangers -150 >> Join NOW