The Flyers last win against the Sharks was huge, not only because there are multiple teams now chasing them in the playoffs, but starting today against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Flyers are about to enter a gauntlet.
After tonight, the Flyers next 6 games, they will see the Maple Leafs again, the Bruins twice, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Rangers. All these teams are currently in a playoff position and the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers both lead their divisions. The Flyers are currently 3rd in their division, so they would make the playoffs if the season ended today, however the New York Islanders, who are 4th in the division are only 4 points back and so are the Detroit Redwings, who are currently on the outside looking in. If the Flyers having a losing streak now over the next 7 games including tonight, they could very well be on the outside looking in. However, prior to the season, if we were all told that with 16 games remaining, the Flyers would currently be 3rd place in their division, we would all most definitely sign up for it.