Philadelphia Flyers 50 Greatest Moments in History

43. Flyers Beat Rangers in Shootout to Make Playoffs

Written by Brendan Canney

Even after coming off a successful 99-point season in 2008/09, the Flyers were not content to stand pat, especially after exiting the playoffs in the first round at the hands of their hated rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

After suffering a dismal start to the season, coach John Stevens was relieved of his coaching duties by Paul Holmgren who then in turn hired Peter Laviolette. The coaching change did little to solve the Flyers consistency as the team went 2-7-1 after hiring Lavy. They were also bitten by the injury bug, seeing numerous injuries suffered by star players Daniel Briere, Kimmo Timonen, and Jeff Carter.

The team persevered though, mainly on the back of journeyman goaltender Michael Leighton, and the team found themselves in a “Win and you’re in” scenario against upstate rival, New York Rangers. The Flyers peppered Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to the tune of 47 shots on goal but only Matt Carle was able to find the back of the net, matching the Rangers lone goal that was scored by Jody Shelley.

Both teams failed to score in the overtime period, forcing the season to come down to the dreaded shootout, an area in which the Flyers struggled during the regular season as evidenced by their 3-7 record. Danny Briere started the shootout by beating the King Henrik glove side. Erik Christensen was first up for the Rangers, and he was stoned by Boucher.

Mike Richards took the puck for the Flyers second attempt but was unable to find the back of the net. P.A. Parenteau, who was 2-2 in shootouts during the regular season, went forehand on Boucher and beat him over his left pad. The Flyers third attempt was to be taken by their best player, Claude Giroux, who lasered a shot right thru Lundqvist’s five hole, forcing the Rangers to score on their last attempt, or face elimination.

Olli Jokinen skated to the puck at center ice with speed, roaring down the right half of the ice towards Boucher’s glove hand, brining the puck from his forehand to his backhand as he neared the goalie crease only to have his shot kicked away by Boucher. As Boucher gathered himself off the ice, he got to his feet and fist pumped so hard I was afraid he’d throw out his shoulder.

Next: Number 42: Flyers Unbeaten Streak Broken