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The Philadelphia Flyers and Their Playoff Chances
The Philadelphia Flyers have emerged as one of the standout teams of the 2023-24 NHL season. Preseason expectations were modest, with the team’s front office tempering fan enthusiasm by acknowledging that this might be another rebuilding year lacking a playoff return. However, the players themselves had a different mindset, consistently racking up victories.
Philadelphia made several significant moves prior to the trade deadline on March 8, yet they still find themselves in a playoff position as they prepare to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night. As the season progresses, what can fans anticipate from this spirited team? Let’s analyze the possibilities.
The Playoff Picture
The Flyers currently hold the third spot in the Metro Division, with a two-point cushion over the first wild card, the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, they are trailing the Lightning by one regulation win (with Tampa having a game in hand). In the race for a playoff spot, they are also four points and five regulation wins ahead of the New York Islanders, a team eyeing the Flyers’ position in the Metro and currently holding the second wild-card spot.
According to Stathletes, the Flyers have a 77.1% chance of securing a playoff berth in some form. If they maintain their position as the third seed in the Metro, they are likely to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. Should they slip to a wild-card spot, a matchup with the New York Rangers would not be ideal, given their previous losses to the Rangers. Alternatively, facing the Florida Panthers might provide a better chance since the Flyers have performed well against them this season.
Despite their resilience and surprises this season, Stathletes’ projections suggest that a deep playoff run might be challenging for the Flyers. Their chances of reaching the second round, conference finals, Stanley Cup Final, and ultimately winning the championship are all relatively low. However, given the Flyers’ track record of defying expectations, anything is possible in the postseason.
As the regular season nears its end, attention shifts to the intense competition for playoff spots and positioning, including the battle for the top pick in the 2024 NHL draft.
Current Playoff Matchups
- Eastern Conference
- A1 Florida Panthers vs. WC2 New York Islanders
- A2 Boston Bruins vs. A3 Toronto Maple Leafs
- M1 New York Rangers vs. WC1 Tampa Bay Lightning
- M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 Philadelphia Flyers
Thursday’s NHL Schedule
Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available via NHL Power Play, included in an ESPN+ subscription (local blackout restrictions apply).
- New York Islanders at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m.
- Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
- Arizona Coyotes at Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m.
- And more…
Expanded Standings
Atlantic Division
Florida Panthers: Points: 94, Regulation wins: 37, Playoff position: A1, Games left: 16…
Boston Bruins: Points: 91, Regulation wins: 30, Playoff position: A2, Games left: 15…
Philadelphia Flyers: Points: 76, Regulation wins: 26, Playoff position: M3, Games left: 16…
And more detailed standings for other divisions…
Race for the No. 1 Pick
The NHL draft lottery determines the order of the first round, with the last-place team not guaranteed the top selection. As of now, Macklin Celebrini from Boston University is projected as the top pick for this year’s draft.
* Points in the standings are subject to change based on ongoing games and results.
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