Flyers Playoffs Hopes Are Kept Alive Because Of 6th Tiebreaker Over Capitals

The Philadelphia Flyers are somehow still alive in the playoff race as they face the Washington Capitals tonight.

The eight-game losing streak took whatever control the Flyers gave themselves and threw it away. Regardless of what has happened, the Flyers are only in the race because of a tiebreaker they own over tonight’s opponent. This tiebreaker is rarely used because it is the sixth different one.

The Flyers and Capitals are tied for the NHL’s first FIVE tiebreakers. Here is the breakdown of each one:

1. Game played – both will have 82 tonight

2. Regulation wins – 31-31

3. ROW (Regulation + OT Wins) – 35-35

4. Total Wins – 39-39

5. Head-to-Head points – 2-2

6. Goal Differential – PHI “leads” -25 to -38

With five categories being the same, there is no way to decipher this game other than by goal differential. The Capitals’ goal differential has been well-documented all season. They have struggled to score goals for most of the season but have played strong defense.

The Caps have only scored 218 goals compared to 234 by the Flyers. The Caps have given up 256 goals compared to the Flyers’ 259

The New York Islanders clinched third place in the metropolitan division, and if the Capitals win tonight over the Flyers and advance to the postseason, they will be the only two teams with a negative goal differential to make the playoffs.

The Flyers must win tonight’s game in regulation to tie Washington in points and have a chance at getting in. Hockey media is wondering what lengths the Flyers will go to tonight if they are tied late in the third period.

So, along with a regulation win tonight, the Flyers need the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings to lose in regulation. The Red Wings play the Montreal Canadiens for a second straight night. The Wings had to pull their goalie and win in overtime to overcome a 4-1 third-period deficit to win yesterday. The Penguins play tomorrow against the Islanders.

With all the information laid out, the Flyers’ first goal is to win tonight’s game in regulation. Without that, they can’t get into the playoffs. According to Moneypuck.com, Philadelphia has a 5.9% chance of making the postseason.

Make sure to bookmark THN’s Philadelphia Flyers site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Flyers Get No Favors In Playoff Chase

John Tortorella, Flyers Players Feeling Confident About Capitals Game, Relishing Underdog Status

Flyers Playoff Rooting Guide For April 15th Games

Flyers Sign Defenseman To Entry-Level Contract

Flyers Prospect Wins Second National Championship

Travis Konecny Hits Another Career Milestone; Flyers Get Crucial Win Against Devils

The Hockey News The Hockey News