The Philadelphia Flyers went 0–3–1 last week, essentially destroying any hopes of making the playoffs. Let’s take a look at the team’s key storylines for the week ahead.
Flyers’ Playoff Odds Are Essentially Zero
According to Hockey Stats, the Flyers’ playoff odds have dropped to just 9%. If you thought that was low, the math behind their situation is even more uninspiring.
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Right now, the bar for the Orange and Black to make the postseason is about 98 points. By points percentage, the worst playoff team in the Eastern Conference is the New York Islanders, and they’re pacing for 97 points. Due to the Flyers’ low regulation-win total (17; the first tiebreaker for playoff scenarios), there’s no guarantee that tying that pace gets them in. So, 98 it is.
To get there, the Flyers would need 40 points in their last 28 contests, or in other words, finish 12 games over .500. Seeing as the team has dropped 11 of its last 13, we can safely assume that this isn’t going to happen.
Of course, it is possible that the bar to be playoff-bound is under 98 points. But the number shouldn’t be too far off. Ultimately, the Flyers are looking at next-to-impossible odds.
Will the Flyers Be Deadline Sellers?
With the Flyers’ season collapsing and making the playoffs being beyond unlikely, what’s the team’s status entering the March 6 trade deadline? Will they be sellers?
As it stands, the direction is not very clear. But it’s not like they have much to sell anyway, especially after Christian Dvorak was extended to a five-year, $25.75 million deal on Jan. 5. The only “big” name worth noting is Rasmus Ristolainen, but he has two years left on his contract.
While there always could be fireworks, that’s not really the expectation. The next few months may be quiet in Philadelphia (well, aside from all the drama).
Flyers Schedule Feb. 2–8
| Date | Time (EST) | Opponent (Record) | Location |
| Tue., Feb. 3 | 7 p.m. | vs. Washington Capitals (27–22–7) | Xfinity Mobile Arena |
| Thu., Feb. 5 | 7 p.m. | vs. Ottawa Senators (26–21–7) | Xfinity Mobile Arena |
