Flying High: Top Five Performers Against the New York Rangers

In a new series by Philly Sports Network, we will be looking at how each guy on the Flyers’ roster fairs against the round robin and qualifying teams. Each player will be evaluated based on their points per game, as well as other factors such as average time on ice and special teams production. We will be doing this by the order of the standings. Next up, we take a look at the top performers for the Flyers against the rivals to the north, the New York Rangers.

The Flyers have had the Rangers number this season, taking all three contests while scoring five goals apiece in each game and only allowing six. Former Ranger Kevin Hayes tallied three goals, Claude Giroux added two of his own with one assist, and Jake Voracek added seven helpers in those three contests. However, the Rangers are primed to be a dark horse in these playoffs, boasting a great mix of young, talented players with savvy veterans.

A playoff series between the Flyers and Rangers is sure to be can’t-miss hockey. While it’ll be a series to remember, there’s no reason the Flyers can’t take it to the Broadway Blueshirts. These next five players are a big reason why the Flyers would overcome New York in a seven-game playoff series.

Number 5 – Carter Hart

Hart’s biggest fault in these pieces is that he hasn’t seen many of these teams enough to consider him the best performer against any of the teams mentioned. However, if those trends continue, as well as this series, you’re likely to see Hart top a few of these lists. For good reason as well.

Hart’s numbers against the Rangers are solid. In four career games against the Rags, Hart’s won three of them while allowing nine goals on 114 shots, good for a .921 save percentage. His goals against average is a cool 2.25 as well. All three of his wins against the Rangers came this season, two being back-to-back on February 28 and March 1.

Again, Hart is young and has only faced the Rangers four times. If his performances thus far are indicative of how he will fare against the Rags over the entirety of his career, Flyers fans are in for an absolute treat.

Number 4 – Travis Konecny

Another youngster, TK has done incredibly well against the Rangers so far in his early career. In three games this season, Konecny has tallied one goal and three assists, totaling four points. Over his career, Konecny has 12 points (5g, 7a) in 15 games. One of those goals came on the powerplay as well.

Konecny figures to be a big part of the Flyers moving forward, having just signed a six year deal in the offseason. Six more years on the Flyers could mean six more years of terrorizing the Rangers with his point production, and his relentless chirping as well.

Number 3 – Sean Couturier

Another top-5, another spot on the list for Sean Couturier. It comes as no shock, but Couturier has put up some great numbers against the rival Rangers. While Travis Konecny averages more points per game than Couturier, Coots has played more than double the amount of career games, so the edge goes to our favorite toothless center.

Couturier tallied four points (2g, 2a) in three games this season against the Rangers. He’s averaged right around 20 minutes per night as well, and is a plus-two on the year. His career numbers are pretty impressive as well. Over 34 games, Coots has six goals and 15 assists while being a plus-eight. One of those goals has come on the powerplay, and he’s averaging 17:43 on ice per night in his career against the Rangers.

Couturier is a pillar of the Flyers franchise, and his performances against division rivals really bolster that argument. With plenty of hockey left ahead for Coots, we could see him reach the same level as the following two players.

Number 2 – Jakub Voracek

When there’s a top-five list for the Flyers, it’s usually all but confirmed Voracek will be on it. Voracek has had a stellar season against the Rangers. He’s accumulated seven assists in three games versus the Broadway Blueshirts. This season is a microcosm of how his career has gone against the Rags.

Voracek has played in 42 career games against the Rangers, and he’s registered 12 goals and 23 assists. Four of his 12 goals against New York have come on the powerplay as well. His minus-two mark isn’t the greatest, but considering his other numbers, it’s easy to overlook that particular stat.

Voracek has been a key component for the Flyers for some time now, and rightfully so. Gritty’s could-be brother has made his mark in Philadelphia, and you can tell exactly where it is. Just listen for the fans to yell, “SHOOT!”

Number 1 – Claude Giroux

Are you getting tired of seeing Claude Giroux on this list yet? No? Good, neither is this writer. Plain and simple, Claude Giroux is damn good. He dominates against division rivals, and it’s no different against the New York Rangers.

Captain Claude has played 56 career games against the Rangers, and has recorded 51 points (12g, 39a.) Three of his 12 goals have come on the man advantage, and he is a plus-nine all time against New York. This season has been no different, seeing Giroux tally two goals and adding in a helper for good measure.

As long as series’ like this are around, you’re likely to see Giroux close to, if not sitting, at the top of them.

Check out our previous pieces to the Flying High Series as well…