New York - - The New York Rangers came into today’s contest against the Philadelphia Flyers knowing that they needed two points. One point at home wasn’t going to cut it against a team that is fighting to make the playoffs as well so the two forces collided and it was an entertaining game.

When Flyers forward Danny Briere knocked in the first goal of the game at the 4:13 mark Rangers’ fans were nervous and the thinking was this could be a wide-open game with a lot of scoring. Scott Hartnell was working the crease for the Flyers and Wade Redden didn’t move him out. The Flyers owned the first period but the glimmer of hope was the fact that Sean Avery was drawing attention; he can only do that when he’s on the ice and not being benched; so on this day Avery brought his “A” game.

“When he’s playing straight ahead hockey, like he did today, you’d be hard pressed to find a more effective guy at it than him,” said Rangers captain, Chris Drury.

Avery tied the game up at 1:53 of the second period when he knocked in his own rebound in the crease. The play showed off Avery’s skill and that goal gave the Rangers a jolt that would last the entire period.

Michal Rozsival put the Rangers up 2-1 at 4:54. It was a great one-timer from the point off a nice pass from Erik Christensen. That was his second point of the game and he was making things happen on the ice. He, Drury and Avery made up a great line, the best line on the ice.

“Yesterday we were so high and today it’s just not a good feeling,” said Hartnell.

Drury was creating chances all game and Flyers goalie Michael Leighton (stopped 18 shots) was under siege for most of the second period.

Avery got his second goal of the game at 14:05 to ice the game at 3-1. It was a great wrist shot that found the back of the net. He had a solid game because he was drawing penalties instead of spending too much time in the box and he clicked with his linemates.

Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger did a terrific job at shadowing Marian Gaborik holding him to just three shots on goal.
The Rangers did a terrific job of busting through the Flyers defensive zone which usually had three players waiting at the blue line.

Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist didn’t have the usual amount of players charging at him and you can thank the new added roster muscle for that. The Flyers did counter by playing Riley Cote who had been scratched for quite some time.

The Rangers trail 8th place Boston by one point but the Bruins have two games in hand. The Flyers are tied with the Habs for the sixth and seventh spots currently.

Chris Drury on Sean Avery:
www.cardcornerclub.net/podcast/druryonavery.mp3

Blair Betts on the loss:
www.cardcornerclub.net/podcast/bettsonnycandthegame.mp3

Erik Christensen on Avery:
www.cardcornerclub.net/podcast/christensenonavery.mp3