The Philadelphia Flyers fell to the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in overtime on Saturday night, officially ending what was one of the most impressive and unexpected seasons Philadelphia has had in years. While the Flyers were swept by Carolina in the second round, this season was still a massive accomplishment for a team that many people did not even expect to make the playoffs. The Flyers not only found a way into the playoffs, but also defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the opening round, showing a level of grit and fight that this organization has been missing for years.
The Flyers came out with energy early despite facing elimination. Tyson Foerster finally got on the board offensively in the postseason, scoring his first playoff goal of the year and giving his team an early 1-0 lead. Foerster had struggled to produce throughout the playoffs, so seeing him finally break through in such an important game was a huge moment. Alex Bump also stepped up again for Philadelphia and continued to prove he can make an impact when given the opportunity. Bump scored the Flyers’ second goal and was one of the few offensive sparks for Philadelphia throughout the night.
Carolina controlled most of the game statistically, outshooting Philadelphia 40-17 overall. The Hurricanes constantly pressured the Flyers in the offensive zone and forced Philadelphia into long defensive shifts. Despite that pressure, Dan Vladar once again was the biggest reason the Flyers were able to stay alive in the game. Vladar stopped 37 of 40 shots and made multiple huge saves throughout regulation to keep the Flyers within reach.
While there were definitely some goals throughout this series Vladar probably wishes he could have back, there is no denying that he stepped up in a massive way during the playoffs. Philadelphia was outmatched at times against Carolina’s speed and offensive depth, but Vladar consistently gave the Flyers opportunities to compete. Without him, this series probably ends in much less competitive fashion.
The Hurricanes eventually ended the Flyers’ season in overtime when Jackson Blake scored the game-winning goal. Carolina’s depth once again became the difference, as Logan Stankoven also added another goal while Taylor Hall continued to dominate the series offensively.
Even with the disappointing ending, this season showed that the Flyers are moving in the right direction. For a roster that was not expected to compete this quickly, making the playoffs and winning a round says a lot about the culture and fight inside the locker room. Philadelphia proved they are no longer an easy team to push around.
One of the biggest storylines after the game was the absence of Matvei Michkov, who was not on the ice. That immediately raises questions surrounding his role and future heading into next season. Michkov is viewed as one of the biggest pieces of the Flyers’ future, so his absence in an elimination game is definitely something that will continue to be talked about throughout the offseason.
