The Philadelphia Flyers have clinched a playoff berth for the first time since the 2019-20 season after a 3-2 shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. This marks a significant turnaround for the team, which was previously struggling and facing a potential sixth consecutive postseason absence.
NHL: Boston Bruins at Philadelphia Flyers
Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesKyle Ross-Imagn Images
The drought is over.
For the first time since the 2019-20 season, the Philadelphia Flyers are Stanley Cup Playoff-bound. With their 3-2 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday, the Flyers have officially punched their ticket to the 2026 postseason.
Before the trade deadline, the thought of the Flyers making the playoffs seemed silly. They were far away from the fight, and the team looked to be headed for a franchise-worst 6th straight postseason.
In January, the team went on multiple four-plus-game losing streaks, including a six-game streak at one point, and lost four of their last five games before the Olympic break.
After the break, the Flyers lost their first game, and the season looked bleak.
Then, things took a turn for the better.
Philly won four of its five games leading up to the trade deadline, but there were still questions.
After the deadline, the team began taking steps forward, but momentum stalled after a gut-wrenching shootout loss to the Blue Jackets. That led to the return of the doubt. Philly looked destined to miss its sixth-straight postseason, but a sweep of the California road trip in its following three games changed the momentum for the better.
Including the games in California, the Flyers went on an 11-4-0 run in their latest 15 games. Since the deadline, they have gone 13-5-1. That was the red-hot surge they needed. Now, their ticket is punched.
Only Sean Couturier, Travis Konecny, and Travis Sanheim are still with the Flyers since their last playoff appearance.
The Flyers will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
When was the last time the Philadelphia Flyers made the playoffs?
The Philadelphia Flyers last made the playoffs in the 2019-20 season.
What was the score of the game that clinched the Flyers' playoff berth?
The Flyers clinched their playoff berth with a 3-2 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes.
How did the Flyers' playoff chances change before the trade deadline?
Before the trade deadline, the Flyers were far from playoff contention and appeared likely to miss the postseason for a sixth consecutive year.
Related Articles
Sports
LIV Golf is still going, but its days seem numbered and probably always were
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
ESPN NewsĀ·Ā·1 min read
MLBĀ·Recap
Angels' Mike Trout hits another HR to join Aaron Judge in rare Yankee Stadium history
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
MLBĀ·Feature
Tigers projected to take a gamble on the upside of a 6'3" prep bat
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.