Photographer: Kate Frese
It all comes down to this. The Flyers face the New York Rangers in the final game of the regular season needing just one point to clinch a playoff spot.
The task at hand for the Flyers is simple. If they can find a way to get one point in Saturday’s game against the New York Rangers, they will be going to the playoffs. That said, the Flyers will have plenty of scoreboard watching to do regardless of the outcome on Saturday.
It is coming down to the wire in the playoff picture. A 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday drastically changed the standings, leaving the Flyers with what is essentially a must-win situation on Thursday night against the Carolina Hurricanes.
As the Flyers prepare to play in Game 81 against Carolina on Thursday night, there are a wave of scenarios the Flyers are facing as the playoffs draw closer.
The Flyers have three games remaining in a season of highs and lows, starting with Tuesday night’s game against the New York Islanders, their final road game of the regular season.
Entering Sunday’s game against the Boston Bruins, the Flyers have a magic number of five to clinch a playoff spot, meaning three wins in the final four games control the Flyers own destiny.
Anything is possible in the playoffs. But for the Flyers to have the best chance to play beyond the first round of the playoffs, being the first wildcard may be their best bet.
The Flyers continue a three-game road trip by taking on the Dallas Stars, a team that has lost eight straight games and is starting to see their playoff hopes slip away.
With the Philadelphia Flyers looking to clinch a playoff spot, their young core is helping to lead the way.
The Phantoms suffered two losses to Providence this weekend. Friday’s loss in overtime, 5-4, coupled with a regulation loss by Bridgeport to Syracuse clinched a spot in the playoffs for Lehigh Valley.