The Philadelphia Flyers started the season off hot, looking to be one of the biggest surprises in the league. Yet, they fell back down to Earth in the new year, and looked destined to miss out on the playoffs. But the Flyers have thrived since their return from the Olympic break. They had won six out of 10 games before their West Coast road trip.
As it turns out, the trip had worked wonders for the Flyers. In a four-day stretch, the Flyers defeated the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, all of whom are in playoff contention. Two of those victories came in overtime against the Ducks and in a shootout against the Kings. Now, the Flyers have 80 points through 69 games, and are just five points out of a playoff spot.
The Flyers can't be counted out of the playoffs just yet. The Athletic's Sean McIndoe changed his stance on the Flyers after their impressive West Coast road trip, saying that they can't be counted out of the playoffs.
"Everyone expected them to struggle this year, and while they were a nice early story, they’d slipped out of the race for good by midseason. Or so it seemed, because they’re back in play. After sweeping their California trip, they’ve now won nine of 12 and moved within five points of a playoff spot. They’re still long shots, but they’re in the fight. And they play the Red Wings three more times before the end of the season," writes McIndoe.
The Flyers aren't out of the playoff picture just yet
The Flyers have just 13 games left on their schedule, so there is plenty of room for them to make a five point-plus push into a Wild Card spot or into third place in the Metropolitan Division. If you are in the 80-point range, you are in good shape to potentially make a run into a playoff spot.
As McIndoe brings up, they have a solid chance to gain ground since they face off against the Detroit Red Wings three times in this final stretch of the season. The Red Wings are just one point out of a playoff spot with 84 points through 70 games. If the Flyers do get multiple wins against Detroit, it would not only help them, but also send the Red Wings further out of a playoff spot.
The Flyers face other playoff contending teams, such as the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 24, New York Islanders on April 3, Boston Bruins on April 5, and the Montreal Canadiens on Apr. 14.
Philadelphia can certainly carry this momentum heading into this week. Sure, they may have beaten on teams in the weak Pacific Division, but wins are wins. We'll see if they are able to do so against a Blue Jackets that has been on fire ever since they brought in Rick Bowness as head coach in January.