After another loss to the New York Rangers, the Philadelphia Flyers have to be glad that they won't see them until at least the second round of the playoffs. New York became the first team in 40 years to play the Flyers at least six times in the season and not allow them a single point. The Flyers fell behind 4-0 in the first period and couldn't quite rally in the 5-3 loss. With two games left in the regular season, the Flyers face some interesting questions. Should the team make a push for home ice advantage in the first round or should they focus on resting their own players? In reality, the Flyers should try and do both.
There is something to be said for continuing to play hard. The team is still alive for the fourth seed but it won't be easy. They need to win their next game and have the Penguins lose in regulation. After that, the Flyers would need to beat the Penguins in regulation in the final game of the season. It won't be easy but it is certainly possible. But home ice advantage might not be as critical as many think. The Flyers are fully capable of beating the Penguins on the road. However, that doesn't mean they shouldn't play hard. This team needs momentum before they start the playoffs. That is especially true for Ilya Bryzgalov. He settled down after an ugly first period against the Rangers. I would like to see him get one more start before the playoffs.
On the other hand, rest could come in handy for the Flyers. Danny Briere recently joined the list of banged up players and is out until at least the playoffs. Meanwhile, Wayne Simmonds has taken a beating in recent games and the Flyers could certainly give him a break. If the team is out of the running for the fourth seed by the time they visit Pittsburgh in the regular season finale, they should make an effort to rest key players. Otherwise, the Flyers should be flexible with their shifts. The key is finding the right balance of action and rest. The Flyers need momentum but not as much as they need health.
* - Mark Paul is a Philadelphia resident and lifelong Flyers fan.
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