Bobby Bevilacqua

Ryan McDonagh will be back in the Rangers lineup for the first time since separating his shoulder on November 1st. he will skate alongside Dan Girardi. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

For the first time since separating his shoulder on November 1^st, the Rangers (9-8-4) will have their best defenseman, and the Captain Ryan McDonagh, back in the lineup.

McDonagh had been participating in full practices this week, and it looked like he would play this weekend. McDonagh is slightly ahead of schedule and his reentry into the lineup will provide the Rangers with leadership, offensive ability on the backend, and three complete defensive pairings.

With McDonagh back in, John Moore is the healthy scratch on defense for the Rangers. Moore was the starting defenseman with Kevin Klein on opening day, but has been outplayed by Matt Hunwick.

Hunwick started the season as the seventh defenseman, and was inserted into the lineup when the Blueshirts had numerous injuries on defense. Hunwick has six points this season, all assists, and has shown that he can move the puck well in addition to playing solid defense.

Hunwick will skate with Kevin Klein on the third defensive pairing.

Matt Hunwick will remain in the Rangers lineup, skating with Kevin Klein on the third line. Hunwick has earned his spot in the starting lineup, and has shown that he can move the puck effectively and play well defensively. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

The last change in the Rangers lineup comes on the fourth line. Tanner Glass was expected to play today, but was sent back to New York with flue like symptoms.

Lee Stempniak was supposed to play with Carl Hagelin and Kevin Hayes on the third line, but may wind up playing with Dom Moore and Jesper Fast. Anthony Duclair will remain in the lineup and will likely remain on the third line.

Although you never want to see anyone sick, Vigneault and the Rangers need to see the team play without Glass. Glass has struggled this season, with only one point in 21 games, and has remained in the lineup while players like Lee Stempniak and Anthony Duclair were scratched.

Lee Stempniak will be back in the Rangers lineup today for the first time in three days, and will likely take Tanner Glass’ spot on the third line. Glass is out with the flu. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

It will be interesting to see how the fourth line plays today, and if they show more offensive potential.

Cam Talbot will start for the Rangers, making his fifth start of the season. His last appearance came in a 2-0 shutout victory over the Flyers at Madison Square Garden.

Rick Nash has scored in two straight games, and now has 23 points (15-8-23) to lead the team this season. Nash has been consistent as well, scoring goals in 13 games and picking up points in 16 of the Rangers first 21 games.

Jakub Voracek is the most dangerous player for the Flyers, and currently has an 11 game home point streak. Voracek has a point in every game that the Flyers haven’t been shut out, which is 18 of the Flyers 21 games this season. Voracek has eight goals and 22 assists for a total on 30 points.

The Rangers and Flyers will face off at 1 PM in Philadelphia, and the game will be televised on NBC.

EXPECTED LINES:

Rick Nash-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello

Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Martin St. Louis

Carl Hagelin-Kevin Hayes-Anthony Duclair

Lee Stempniak-Dom Moore-Jesper Fast

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi

Marc Staal-Dan Boyle

Matt Hunwick-Kevin Klein

Cam Talbot