Three New York Rangers to watch against the Philadelphia Flyers

On Tuesday night, the New York Rangers played one of their most complete games of the season, defeating the Ottawa Senators 5-0 at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers played 60 minutes of good hockey en route to a big two points.

The Eastern Conference playoff race is ridiculously close. There are seven teams within five points of one another, from the Columbus Blue Jackets who have 53 points to the Pittsburgh Penguins who have 48. It's clear that every point will be crucial for the Rangers and all other teams contending for a playoff spot.

Thursday night, the Rangers face another Wild Card contender in the Philadelphia Flyers, who are even with the Blueshirts with 50 points. The Flyers are coming off a 2-1 overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings and have won three straight.

It's a big tilt at Madison Square Garden. Here's three Rangers to watch.

1. Mika Zibanejad

While Mika Zibanejad has enjoyed a good start to 2025, he cooled off a little. In games against Colorado and Utah out west, he posted a -2 rating. He has not had a positive +/- in his last five games.

Though, Zibanejad has a goal and an assist in the past two games. He's been noticeably better than he was at the end fo 2024, and that's a good sight for Rangers fans.

2. Will Borgen

Since Will Borgen arrived from Seattle, things have "quieted down a little," per head coach Peter Laviolette.

Paired with K'andre Miller, Borgen has provided some of the defensive stability the Rangers needed. For the majority of the season, defense was a liability, but over his tenure in New York, Borgen has limited this besides a few mistakes.

Tuesday night against Ottawa, Borgen was noticeable whenever he was on the ice. He held Senators captain Brady Tkachuk to only four shots and a low offensive output, all while taking hits from the 25-year-old. While this was not Tkacuk's most notbale moment from the game, him and Borgen went at it.

There are questions surrounding Borgen's tenure with the Rangers and whether it will be a short stint in New York for the 28-year-old. He's making the case to be a longer-term piece for the Blueshirts.

3. Igor Shesterkin

Igor Shesterkin has to be on the list yet again after posting back-to-back shutouts. While the Rangers have played a better defensive game in front of him since he returned from the injured reserve, Shesterkin has made some quality saves that could have changed the course of the game.

Assuming he is in net against the Flyers, the Rangers will once again rely on their better goaltender in a crucial tilt.