Can the Flyers actually make the playoffs?
The Philadelphia Flyers found themselves in a playoff position as they woke up on Christmas Day, marking their first such status since 2019. Impressively, they not only hold a playoff spot but also occupy one of the Metropolitan Division’s top three positions, rather than settling for a wild card spot. With the team exhibiting strong and sustainable hockey, the question arises: can the Flyers genuinely secure a spot in the playoffs? To answer this, let’s analyze the Eastern Conference standings post-holiday break.
Certain playoff locks include the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. The Rangers, currently the NHL’s top team, are considered a playoff shoo-in under the guidance of coach Peter Laviolette. Boston, leading the Atlantic Division, boasts two stellar goalies, enhancing their playoff prospects. In the Atlantic, the Maple Leafs and Panthers are likely to secure top-three positions, with potential competition for the division’s top seed.
With half of the Eastern Conference playoff picture seemingly determined, attention turns to teams vying for the remaining spots. Teams with playoff pedigrees like the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Pittsburgh Penguins entered the season with playoff expectations. The Lightning, still in their dynasty, and the Penguins, aiming for one final push, could potentially turn their seasons around.
Meanwhile, the Devils and Hurricanes, initially contenders for a division crown, may face challenges in securing playoff berths. However, the talent on both teams suggests they could still make the postseason, with expectations of at least two out of these four teams clinching playoff spots.
In the battle for the final playoff position, the Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, and Philadelphia Flyers emerge as contenders. Surprising many with their competitiveness, these teams are positioned in the top half of the Metropolitan Division at the holiday break. Among them, the Flyers have stood out as the strongest, ranking seventh in the league with 52.78% expected goals for (xGF) at 5-on-5. In contrast, the Islanders (48.35%) and Capitals (47.54%) lag behind. The Flyers have faced a tougher schedule, ranking third-hardest in the conference, according to Hockey Reference.
Looking ahead, the Flyers have a comparatively easier remaining schedule, as indicated by Tankathon and Power Rankings Guru. Prediction models, such as MoneyPuck, favor the Flyers’ playoff chances with a 65.3% probability, outpacing other teams in the mix. While the playoff picture remains uncertain, the Flyers appear well-positioned for a playoff berth, showcasing resilience, balanced play, and the potential for improvement, particularly on the power play.
As the Eastern Conference playoff picture unfolds, the Flyers, despite initial expectations of a rebuilding season, emerge as strong contenders for a postseason appearance. Their ability to navigate challenges, coupled with promising indicators and statistical advantages, suggests that making the playoffs may not only be a possibility but a likely outcome for the Flyers in what was initially considered a rebuilding phase.
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