That Rangers team in 2015 featured center Kevin Hayes, who as a rookie scored the game-tying power-play goal in Game 7. Center Derek Stepan scored in overtime.
James van Riemsdyk was a rookie with the Flyers in 2010 when the forward's goal late in the first period of Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Bruins sparked a 4-3 victory. Philadelphia won four straight games after it lost the first three.
Forward Claude Giroux was in his first full NHL season with the Flyers and assisted on van Riemsdyk's goal in Game 7. He also assisted on Daniel Briere's game-winning goal in Game 6 against the Bruins.
Flyers center Nate Thompson was in the playoffs for the first time when his Tampa Bay Lightning fell behind 3-1 against the Penguins in the 2011 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, but he played a vital role as a bottom-six forward and helped the Lightning rally to win the series.
Each is now among Philadelphia's veteran leaders, along with defenseman Justin Braun, who last season helped the San Jose Sharks rally from 3-1 to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference First Round.
"At that time, they were the TKs (forward Travis Konecny), the Carter Harts, the Provy's (defenseman Ivan Provorov)," Vigneault said. "Now it's their turn to lead."
Thompson said what he learned from his experience, and what he can bring to the Flyers, is having a narrow focus.
"I think just having the mindset of winning the next game and not looking ahead," Thompson said. "It sounds cliché, but it's the truth. Just have to win the next one and hopefully gain that momentum moving forward."
Philadelphia defenseman Matt Niskanen played for the Capitals in 2015 when they lost to the Rangers. He said he understands how quickly the momentum can turn.
"You get one game, the tide starts turning and the pressure is flipped," Niskanen said.
It could be more difficult for the Flyers to sustain pressure if first-line center Sean Couturier is unfit to play. Couturier, who has four points (two goals, two assists) in five games against New York, missed the third period and overtime in Game 5 after colliding with Islanders center Mathew Barzal with 2:34 remaining in the second. Vigneault said Couturier was being evaluated Wednesday and hoped to have an update on his availability for Game 6 after the morning skate Thursday.
Even if Couturier is unavailable, Vigneault said he's confident the Flyers still have enough leadership to play the way that's needed to force a Game 7, which would be Saturday.
"Today is rest, recover, nutrition," Vigneault said. "Tomorrow morning, we're going to come in, have a good morning skate and come 7 o'clock time, we're going to be ready to play."
