Goalie Anthony Stolarz trying to work his way into Flyers’ plans

For the first time in about six weeks, goalie Anthony Stolarz (remember him?) will be in the Flyers’ net Tuesday night, facing the New York Rangers in Madison Square Garden.

“It’s definitely exciting to get back out there, get back into it, get that competitive ice back, and just get back with the guys and battle out there,” said the 6-foot-6, 210-pound Stolarz, who last played at Madison Square Garden two years ago. “It’s definitely an exciting building, something you look forward to when you’re growing up.”

Stolarz, 25, a Central Jersey native, hasn’t played for the Flyers since Dec. 15 as he rehabbed from another injury. That pales in comparison to an earlier rehab from knee surgeries that lasted about 18 months.

“It’s been a little bit of a process coming back, but it wasn’t anything like the year and a half I had to miss,” Stolarz said. “I feel really good. We definitely made sure everything was right going forward. For me, having time to work back into game shape has definitely helped me.”

With the emergence of Carter Hart as the Flyers’ No. 1 goalie, it’s easy to forget that Stolarz was a hotshot prospect himself. Like Hart (48th overall in 2016), he was drafted in a second round (45th overall in 2012).

There are 33 games left in the season, and Stolarz will be given a chance to show he belongs in the Flyers’ plans. Hart will get most of the remaining starts, but Stolarz and Brian Elliott, who is expected to return from an apparent groin injury within two weeks, figure to also see some action.

“My personal goal is that every time I’m out there, just try to keep the team in the game,” Stolarz said. “You can definitely try to match the other goalie. Chuck [Fletcher, the GM] is the one who said that. For me, I just want to be consistent down the stretch and be someone the guys can rely on.”

Hart and Alex Lyon are the only goalies in the Flyers system with NHL experience who are under contract for next season. Elliott, Michal Neuvirth and journeyman Mike McKenna can become unrestricted free agents this summer, and Stolarz can become a restricted free agent.

Because of players rehabbing from injuries, there are five goalie stalls in the Flyers’ locker room.

“I haven’t seen that probably since I was in college at Nebraska, when I think we had four guys and another guy redshirting,” Stolarz, an AHL all-star with the Phantoms in 2016, said with a smile. “It’s definitely a crowded crease, so when you get in there, you want to make the most out of it.”

Stolarz, who has a 3.90 goals-against average and .880 save percentage in nine appearances with the Flyers this season, will oppose Rangers backup Alexandar Georgiev (3.43, .895). … According to the NHL, Hart on Monday became the first goalie in franchise history to win four straight games before his 21st birthday. He is the fifth NHL goalie in the last 20 years to register wins in four consecutive starts. The others: Steve Mason (2008-09), Carey Price (2007-08), Kari Lehtonen ((2003-04), and Dan Blackburn (2001-02). … Injured defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere won’t play Tuesday, but there is a chance he’ll return Thursday in Boston, according to interim coach Scott Gordon. … With Monday’s 3-1 win over Winnipeg, the Flyers inched to within 12 points of Pittsburgh for a playoff spot.