Rangers v. Flyers, Sunday

Some readers have wondered why Sunday's Rangers-Flyers tilt will not be seen on NBC, given its huge implications and matchup of storied franchises.

Fair question. Answer: Because NBC had to designate a game for that day nearly two weeks in advance, before it could be sure Rangers-Flyers would be so meaningful.

Anyway, it's a moot point for New York-area viewers, who can watch it on MSG.

Friday night's game was a late-regular-season classic, with all the intensity of a playoff or Olympic contest.

It comes down to Sunday, when I'll be flipping back and forth between hockey and another sport in which angry men wield long sticks.

How will the always respectful patrons in Philly greet their famous visitors, given their decades of indiscretions?

We shall see when they tee it up at 3.