The drought is finally over for the Philadelphia Flyers. For the first time since 2020, the Flyers are back in the playoffs, and they clinched their spot in incredible fashion. The Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes went to a shootout after the game was still tied 2-2. in the fourth round, Tyson Foerster scored a goal, leaving it up to goalie Dan Vladar to make the save, secure the win, and clinch a playoff berth. He did just that, as he stopped a shot from Carolina's Alexander Nikishin to send the Flyers back to the playoffs.
After the game, Vladar spoke with NBC Sports Philadelphia on the bench. Vladar said that the Flyers proved everyone wrong, and that he is excited to bring the playoffs back to a "starving" fanbase.
"This is why we play hockey."
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 14, 2026
Dan Vladar is excited for playoff hockey in Philly. pic.twitter.com/GN5porIR2i
"This is awesome," said Vladar. "This is why we play hockey. Especially here, people are starving for it and we are so proud to be able to deliver them the experience. I can assure you, especially our fans, that we are going to do everything we can to make it as far as we can."
Dan Vladar is excited to bring playoff hockey back to Flyers fanbase
Vladar gets it. The Flyers missed out on a playoff spot two years ago on the final day of the regular season. Now, they are finally back into the playoffs, where they not only clinched a spot, but a top three spot in the Metropolitan division.
This season featured plenty of ups and downs, with the playoffs not looking like much of a certainty. But after the Olympics, the Flyers were one of the hottest teams in hockey. Looking to clinch a spot, they called up last year's first round pick Porter Martone and saw Foerster, their top scoring forward, return from a seemingly season-ending arm injury. After all that, and winning four of their last five games, all they needed to do was defeat the Hurricanes to secure third place in the Metropolitan.
Vladar had played a significant role in the team's success this season. The Flyers have long-needed reliable goaltending, and it was part of the reason why they missed out on the playoffs. The Flyers signed Vladar to a two-year, $6.7 million contract, and the deal has more than paid off.
This season, Vladar posted a .906 save percentage, a 2.42 goals allowed average, and a 29-14-7 record in 52 games (51 starts).
Now, the Flyers will not only compete in the playoffs, but also face off against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. Much like the Flyers, not many of those in the media gave much of a chance to the Penguins. Yet, with a new head coach in Dan Muse, they exceeded expectations and secured second place in the division.
Fans will think fondly of the 2025-26 Flyers team for finally ending the drought. Vladar's goaltending played a role in that, and he is looking forward to bringing the playoffs back to the Flyers fanbase.
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