The Flyers are still desperately working to get back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after failing to qualify the last two seasons. It was the first time in a very long time that Philadelphia failed to make it in back to back seasons.
It is well known that the NHL playoffs are some of the most exciting games out there. And there have been some solid matchups in the opening round, plenty going the distance. Only Colorado handily beat their opponent with a four game sweep. Every other series went at least six games, five of them needing seven games.
Some series saw multiple games needing extra time. The Rangers and Penguins needed 3OT to decide their first game and a single OT to decide the final game. Tampa needed OT to stay alive in the sixth game against the Leafs. The Panthers had to fend off the Capitals in a Game 7 overtime.
So while the Flyers themselves didn’t have a chance to partake in the excitement, there were plenty of former members of the Orange and Black who did participate. And some of them played a part in their team’s success.