By Mary Cunningham
The Flyers are taking their four-game winning streak out for a spin this afternoon against the New York Rangers at the Wells.
The Flyers (19-15-7) missed the playoffs last season and began 2015-16 by dropping 15 of their first 22 games. Things have changed dramatically since with the Flyers going 12-5-2.
“I think our guys have stuck together all year and worked hard for each other, and that has a way of growing,” first-year coach Dave Hakstol said.
Philly’s winning streak is growing. The team has tied it’s longest of the season at four games after scoring twice in a span of 1:22 of the third period to rally for a 3-2 victory over Boston on Wednesday.
It was also Philadelphia’s sixth win in a row at home, its longest such streak since reeling off 10 consecutive from Nov. 9, 2013-Jan. 8, 2014.
“It’s all about confidence,” said Claude Giroux, who had a season-high three assists. “Right now we have it, and we have to make sure we keep it.”
Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmonds seem to have plenty of confidence. Voracek has nine points over the last six home games while Simmonds has four goals and one assist in the past five there.
The Flyers have won seven of nine matchups with the Rangers at Wells Fargo Center, including three in the playoffs. They took a third straight overall meeting Nov. 28, winning 3-0 behind two goals and an assist from Simmonds.
The right wing has three goals and two assists during the winning streak versus New York.
Despite the recent improvement, Philly is six points back of the Rangers (23-15-5) for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
“Let’s be honest, it’s another big game,” Voracek said. “Every game is important. Every point. It’s going to be tight until the end.”
