Flyers' Playoff Hopes Hang By A Thread After Overtime Loss
Flyers Playoff Hopes Hang By A Thread After Overtime Loss...
The Philadelphia Flyers' playoff chances took a major hit Tuesday night after a crushing 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Rangers. The defeat leaves them three points behind the Washington Capitals for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with just four games remaining.
Fans and analysts are buzzing about the Flyers' fading postseason hopes, making this a top-trending sports topic in the U.S. Philadelphia had clawed back into contention with a 7-2-1 stretch before Tuesday's critical stumble at Madison Square Garden.
Head coach John Tortorella called it "a kick in the teeth" after his team blew a 2-0 third-period lead. The Flyers' collapse was punctuated by Artemi Panarin's overtime winner, his 49th goal of the season for the Presidents' Trophy-winning Rangers.
Philadelphia now faces must-win games against New Jersey, Columbus, Washington and Pittsburgh to close the season. Their April 16 matchup against the Capitals looms largest, potentially deciding the final playoff berth.
Goaltender Samuel Ersson, who made 32 saves in the loss, told reporters: "We know what's at stake. This room believes we can still do it." But advanced analytics give the Flyers just a 17% chance to make the postseason according to MoneyPuck.
The team's uncertain goaltending situation and league-worst power play (12.7%) continue to haunt them down the stretch. Captain Sean Couturier acknowledged the challenges: "We've put ourselves in a tough spot, but stranger things have happened."
Flyers fans flooded social media with reactions ranging from frustration to cautious optimism. Many pointed to the 2010 team that made an improbable playoff run after winning a shootout in the season finale.
With the NHL playoffs beginning April 22, Philadelphia's margin for error has effectively disappeared. Their next game against the Devils on Thursday night at Wells Fargo Center has become a virtual elimination game.
General manager Danny Brière faces tough questions about the team's direction if they miss the postseason for the third time in four years. The Flyers haven't won a playoff series since 2012, the longest drought in franchise history.
