Penguins vs. Flyers: Philadelphia Prepares for Showdown with Pittsburgh

The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins are among the most bitter of rivals in the NHL.  

This "Battle of Pennsylvania" has a much deeper meaning than just plain bragging rights. With (at least temporary) Atlantic Division supremacy on the line on Tuesday night, things are sure to escalate. 

The Flyers and Penguins have matched each other point-for-point so far this season. But with the Pens' current 12-game winning streak, they've taken over the Atlantic and NHL lead in points.

To their own credit, the Flyers remain right in the mix and can retake the lead with a victory on Tuesday night.

A lot is on the line in this meeting despite it being only December. For the Flyers, a chance to thwart Sidney Crosby and the Pens. For the Pens, a victory extends the streak to 13 and puts them in a commanding lead in the Atlantic.  

On the Flyers' end, rookie Sergei Bobrovsky has been sensational. He's 14-4-3 and is currently not the Flyers' No. 1 goalie, at least not over the past few days. His solid play against the Pens this season could earn him the start in this showdown, unless Brian Boucher has something to say about it. Boucher has led the Flyers to victory in consecutive games and appears to be the hot hand right now for Peter Laviolette.  

Then, seemingly forgotten, Michael Leighton, a hero from last year, is waiting in the wings attempting to return to full health.  

Having three good goalies isn't a problem, right?  

It's supposed to be a luxury. With the way that Bobrovsky and Boucher are playing, it will be hard for Leighton to get back into the fold. That is, of course, unless the Flyers opt to carry all three goalies.  

Pittsburgh, despite being injured a good bit, has the best record in the league. Notable injuries to Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal still haven't hurt them.  

Staal has yet to play this season, which is a shocking, considering that he'd only missed one NHL game in his four-year career before this. Malkin is hoping to return to the lineup sometime this week, possibly on Tuesday, in time for this Atlantic Division clash.   

Pittsburgh's last loss came on November 15th in overtime against the New York Rangers. To find their last regulation loss, you'd have to backtrack to November 10th in a 7-4 thumping from the Boston Bruins.  

Over this stretch, Crosby has made his presence known. To those who doubted, he's proved he's the best in the game.  

Love him, hate him, you have to give it to him.

The Flyers would be the perfect team to spoil Pittsburgh's undefeated streak. They're every bit as talented as the Pens, if not more. The Flyers are the deepest team in the league and have proved that last season wasn't a fluke.  

The hockey world will surely be watching on Versus on Tuesday as this rivalry takes the NHL's center stage once more. Expect Philadelphia fans to be vicious in their treatment of superstar Sidney Crosby.  

The usual suspects will be there, as this rivalry is about to get even more intriguing.