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Who is the greatest Met Division rival for the Rangers this season?

By Gregory Gullo

Travis Zajac #14 of the New York Islanders pushes Ryan Strome #16 of the New York Rangers during the second period at the Nassau Coliseum . (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Travis Zajac #14 of the New York Islanders pushes Ryan Strome #16 of the New York Rangers during the second period at the Nassau Coliseum . (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 23: Scott Laughton #21 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Kevin Rooney #17 of the New York Rangers fight during the second period at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 23: Scott Laughton #21 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Kevin Rooney #17 of the New York Rangers fight during the second period at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia Flyers

New York vs Philadelphia. The rivalry between the cities has lasted for generations. And that rivalry has certainly taken its hold through the world of sports.

The Rangers vs Flyers rivalry is no exception. These two have hated each other since the Flyers were nicknamed the “Broad Street Bullies” back in the 70s and beat up on the Blueshirts on the way to two Stanley Cup championships. Fast forward to the 2021-2022 season and both are at a crossroads.

The Rangers are looking to make the playoffs for the first time in five years. The Flyers meanwhile, are coming off a very disappointing year.

The team was expected to be a championship contender, but only saw disappointment. Many young players who were expected to progress did anything but, including goaltender Carter Hart who was one of the worst in the league a year ago.

It will be interesting to see the directions the two franchises take. Will both take a step forward? A step backward? One or the other? We’ll certainly find out during the season.

This rivalry would be more intense if the Rangers didn’t show that they have the Flyers’ number last season. New York averaged a whopping 4.25 goals per game against Philadelphia including a 9-0 thrashing on Garden ice and an 8-3 blowout in the Flyers’ own backyard.

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