Each of these sides are ascending but this feels a bit different with the Rangers. The Igor Shesterkin of old seems back in the nets for New York as he has recorded back-to-back shutouts in wins over the Blue Jackets and Senators. Since returning to active duty earlier this month, he has been vintage Shesterkin, with a 5-0-1 mark, 1.45 GAA, and .943 saves. Shesterkin also looks to atone foe a 3-1 loss at Philly on November 29. The Flyers have indeed won five of six and Samuel Ersson is 5-1-0 in goal this month. But his December numbers weren't nearly as sharp (3.44 GAA and .856 saves) and would rather back Shesterkin to control this matchup tonight. Play Rangers on Puck Line (-1)

Both the Rangers and Flyers understand the value of securing every single point in their race to stay in the playoff mix. Since returning from injury Igor Shesterkin has been magnificent; producing back to back shutouts. His most likely opposition tonight Samuel Ersson has quietly regained his form behind a Flyers defensive structure suppressing expected goals at a top 6 rate all season. I expect a tight checking defensive minded game tonight; for those that don't have access to a juiced 6 here going under 5.5 (+105) is a damn fine bet as well

Former Vezina winner Igor Shesterkin struggled some early this year but the Russian is rolling right now with back-to-back shutouts -- his streak of 164:03 without a goal allowed is just shy of his career high. The Rangers are also fully healthy and have snapped out of their team-wide doldrums of late (6-0-3 in past nine). The Flyers have won three straight all with Samuel Ersson in net, but he hasn't started four in a row all season and the Flyers play again Friday so I'd think we get one of their backups here -- although I'm fine with it either way (would like it certainly more if not Ersson).