Not gonna lie. Game 4 hurt. The Philadelphia Flyers threw everything they had at the Carolina Hurricanes, and it just wasn't enough. It wasn't that the Flyers played badly, although of course there were mistakes, just as in any game. It's more that the Hurricanes are that much better.
This wasn't an aging Penguins team that the Flyers were going up against in the playoffs. Nope, this was a hungry, solid, mostly flawless team in their prime, locked and loaded for yet another long playoff run. I wouldn't be surprised if they end up in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Colorado Avalanche. Even then, the loss stings.
Why does it sting? After all, this team shouldn't have been there. The Flyers should never have made it this far. Remember, they had a 3.8% chance of making the postseason before they went on their historically epic run. Most hockey experts who did not follow this team felt that the more experienced Penguins would run over this upstart team. Instead, the Flyers ran over them before running headlong into Carolina.
Despite the sweep, there are some good things we can pull away from this series. The future is very bright for Philadelphia.
Why We Can Be Optimistic After So Long
First, this taste of playoff glory will give the team a hunger for it. Several years ago, the Hurricanes used to be craptacular. When Rod Brind'Amour became the head coach, they turned it around and went to the Eastern Conference Finals in his first season there. The Canes have been one of the top teams in the East ever since. There is a lesson there. The Canes did it with a mix of solid veterans, good young players, and a focus on fundamentals. All three of these things the Flyers have and will use as a recipe for future success.
Speaking of young players, Jett Luchanko and Oliver Bonk played well in their postseason debut. Porter Martone carried his hot streak from the end of the season into the playoffs. He looks legit and could be a serious contender for the Calder Trophy next season. Alex Bump and Denver Barkey also played well enough to contribute down the stretch. All of this will fuel the Flyers in the years ahead.
Finally, despite getting swept, they weren't blown out. The shutout in Game One was only a 2-0 loss. Two games went into OT. Game 3 was the only time when the Canes really curbstomped them, but it is hard to win when you have to defend nine power plays against you. Philly lost its cool during that game, but still held up. They battled in every game and did not roll over for the mighty Hurricanes. And to be fair, Dan Vladar outplayed Freddie Andersen. I may not be an NHL goalie, but even I know that facing 40 shots is a helluva difference from facing 15 or 20 shots. Don't get me wrong, Andersen was solid, but Vladar was amazing.
There are some things the team still needs to do, like work on the power play. But for the first time in half a decade, Flyers fans have hope, and it isn't misguided hope. For the first time in years, when we say, "Wait till next year," we mean it with real hope. Congrats to the Hurricanes. They will make a fine run. However, next year, the Flyers will be locked and loaded and will be stronger, and they will have Carolina to thank for it.
The future looks bright. Let's seize it.
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