The Philadelphia Flyers have lost five straight games and many believe their playoff hopes are now out of the question. But, are they?
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On March 23rd, the Philadelphia Flyers increased their playoff spot lead to four points. That was because of a big 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins.
However, since that win, the Flyers have now lost five straight and their playoff hopes are now in jeopardy.
After last nights results, the Flyers cling to just a one point lead for a playoff spot. A point that was secured by Morgan Frost with 9.6 seconds left against the New York Islanders.
While the Flyers have lost five straight, they have been able to get points in two of them. Which, those points are the only reason they still are in a playoff position.
How likely is it that they qualify for the playoffs this season?
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As the standings are now, with just a one point lead and only six games left, the Flyers playoff hopes don’t look good. But, it’s not as bad as some think. Especially with the Flyers holding tiebreakers over Detroit and New York.
The Washington Capitals have three games in hand and are just one point behind the Flyers. However, tonight start their final stretch where they will play nine games over final 15 days of the season.
During those nine games, the Capitals play two sets of back-to-backs, play Detroit (huge playoff implications game), and finish the season in Philadelphia vs the Flyers. Which, very could be for a playoff spot.
Five of Washington’s remaining nine games are against a playoff team or one fighting for a playoff spot.
The Detroit Red Wings have one game in hand and are also just one point behind the Flyers. Detroit’s schedule isn’t the hardest over the remainder of the season.
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While the Red Wings play just seven games over the final 15 days, their schedule is a very tough one over the final 6 days. Finishing the season with four games in 6 nights with a ton of travel.
Detroit will travel to Pittsburgh… then to Toronto… then back home… then to Montreal in a matter of 6 days to finish the season.
The New York Islanders have two games in hand and are four points behind the Flyers. New York’s schedule is probably the easiest the remainder of the season.
With eight games remaining, the Islanders will leave the New York area just one more time this season. A quick one game road trip to Columbus on Thursday.
Thereafter, the Islanders will be at home – two road games to Rangers & Devils – the rest of the season. Which, no travel, is a huge bonus for a team fighting for a playoff spot.
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So, actually how likely is it that the Flyers qualify for the playoffs?
Well, that is in their own hands at the moment. Their play over the final six games will determine if they make the playoffs or not.
If the Flyers can win four of the remaining six games, it will be very tough for either Detroit or New York to pass them. Detroit would have to win five of seven or New York would have to win seven of eight.
As we enter the final stretch of the regular season, while the standings right now don’t look great, the Flyers are still in a great position to make the playoffs.
PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Nwachukwu – Getty Images
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