Flyers Playoff Hopes Officially Down The Drain, or Can They Make it?

As of February 21st, the Flyers have a 1.7% chance of making the playoffs. The loss of Sean Couturier and the tough adjustments to fit Torotrella's system surely had an impact on the outcome of the season. While the season has been disappointing, the Flyers currently have a 4.4% chance of getting the first overall pick.

With the playoff dream fading for the Flyers, they aren't completely out yet. They are 8 points out of the second wild card position, but there is a tight race between the top four teams. The Islanders and Panthers hold the top two eastern conference wild card positions. The Islanders have 65 points and a +5 goal differential, but just lost forward Mat Barzal to an injury. There is no timetable for his return, so the Islanders may falter a bit down the stretch without one of their top stars.

The Penguins and Capitals have the third and fourth spots in the wild card standings. The Penguins are only 4-5-1 in their last ten games, but have 4 games in hand over the Islanders and Panthers. The Capitals have been without star Alex Ovechkin due to the death of his father, but he is set to return soon. All four teams are neck and neck as the playoffs draw closer and will all be making pushes or acquisitions at the deadline to boost their rosters.

While the Flyers may not be making the playoffs this season, there is much to be optimistic about. There is a chance of getting a top 3 pick in this upcoming draft, the emergence of Travis Konecny, and the imminent return of Sean Couturier to look forward to next season.