Somebody’s five-game losing streak is coming to an end on Saturday afternoon. The question is whose: the Philadelphia Flyers or the New York Rangers?
The Flyers come into Saturday’s game on home ice with losses in five straight games, including four in regulation. They have slipped from third place in the Metropolitan Division to out of the playoff picture, two points back of third in the Metro and four points back in the wildcard.
The Rangers, meanwhile, have not only lost five straight games, but also issued another letter with GM Chris Drury stating intentions of a retool. The Rangers sit in last place in the Eastern Conference.
Game time is at 1 p.m.
Flyers-Rangers Team Leaders 1-17-2026Flyers-Rangers Team Leaders 1-17-2026Flyers-Rangers Players to Watch 1-17-2026Flyers-Rangers Players to Watch 1-17-2026
Matvei Michkov scored late in Thursday’s game, his first goal on a tended net since Nov. 29. Between that and his first NHL fight, it can hopefully unlock more from Michkov going forward.
Mika Zibanejad has a seven-game points streak entering Saturday, including four multi-point games. He had a goal and an assist against the Flyers on Dec. 20. In his career, he has scored 20 goals against the Flyers.
Flyers-Rangers Goalie Matchup 1-17-2026Flyers-Rangers Goalie Matchup 1-17-2026
Aleksei Kolosov is expected to start for the Flyers. Kolosov made 13 saves on 16 shots in relief on Thursday. His only start of the season was on Nov. 2, a 2-1 loss to the Calgary Flames. Kolosov made 19 saves on 21 shots.
Jonathan Quick is expected to start for the Rangers. Quick was pulled midway through Wednesday’s game against Ottawa after allowing six goals on 17 shots. It’s the second time in the last three games that Quick was pulled. Quick has gone 11 straight appearances without a win, posting a 0-9-2 record in that time. He has allowed three goals or more in eight of those appearances.
Projected LineupsFlyers Lines 1-17-2026Flyers Lines 1-17-2026Rangers Lines 1-17-2026Rangers Lines 1-17-2026Lineup NotesFlyers: Dan Vladar will not be available for Saturday, but is day-to-day. No changes are expected to the Flyers’ lineup.Rangers: Carson Soucy is out due to personal reasons. Urho Vaakanainen will enter the lineup. Connor Mackey was called up from Hartford, but is unlikely to play.Flyers-Rangers Game Notes 1-17-2026Flyers-Rangers Game Notes 1-17-2026Flyers Where to WatchWhere to Watch NBC Sports PhiladelphiaVideo Preview
Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.
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