Flyers-Rangers: Preseason Game 7 Preview

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The preseason is rapidly coming to a close, and for Thursday's game, the Flyers are starting to put the finishing touches on their roster and lineup for next Friday's season opener in Los Angeles.

Once again, Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny are in the lineup. Each will be playing with returning members from the World Cup of Hockey. Provorov is paired with Mark Streit. Konecny is on a line with Pierre-Edouard Bellemare.

The Flyers are once again facing the New York Rangers, who they beat in overtime, 4-3, on Monday, this time from Madison Square Garden. The opening face-off is set for 7 p.m.

The Flyers come to New York with more line shuffling. The top two lines appear to be close to set, as the top line of Claude Giroux, Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn will take the ice and a second line featuring Sean Couturier, Jake Voracek and Michael Raffl will follow.

The Flyers third line is interesting, with Konecny playing wing with Dale Weise and Bellemare.

Defensively, the Flyers pairing are also looking game ready, with Shayne Gostisbehere now paired with Nick Schultz and Provorov paired with Streit.

Anthony Stolarz was recalled from the Phantoms with Steve Mason missing Thursday's game with the anticipation of the birth of his daughter. Michal Neuvirth will start in goal.

The Rangers will use many of their regulars in Thursday's game.

While the Flyers won't be seeing players like Rick Nash, Derek Stepan or Ryan McDonagh, the Rangers will have Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Kevin Hayes and Nathan Gerbe all in the lineup. Brandon Pirri and J.T. Miller also remain in the lineup.

Defensively, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi are among the Rangers blueliners to play in Thursday's game.

Here is the Flyers projected lineup for Monday's game based on the morning skate:

Brayden Schenn-Claude Giroux-Wayne Simmonds
Jake Voracek-Sean Couturier-Michael Raffl
Travis Konecny-Pierre-Edouard Bellemare-Dale Weise
Nick Cousins-Boyd Gordon-Jordan Weal

Radko Gudas-Michael Del Zotto
Shayne Gostisbehere-Nick Schultz
Ivan Provorov-Mark Streit

Michal Neuvirth (Anthony Stolarz)

Thursday's game will be televised on TCN and can be heard on 97.5 The Fanatic.

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