After the debacle in Montreal, the Flyers' playoff hopes were dashed

An optimist says there is still a chance. A realist knows that there is nothing left.

Backed by make-or-break scenarios the rest of the way, the Philadelphia Flyers lost to the Canadiens 9-3 on Tuesday night in Montreal.

Another relentless effort extended a winless spiral near the finish line to eight games, and after the Capitals defeated the Red Wings to take the lead in a rapidly narrowing playoff race, the Islanders managed to edge out the juggernaut Rangers to pull even further. Ahead, any last postseason hopes for the Flyers were dashed.

They would have to win in the final round against divisional opponents who have caused them trouble all season, and at the same time, they would have to suddenly collapse on everyone around them.

In other words, they had to be close to a miracle, and after what happened on Tuesday night, there was no way.

The Pilots seem to be running out of fuel and the team seems to know it too. At this time, it is necessary to find some sign of life above all else.

“We did some things we haven't done in years,” head coach John Tortorella said after Tuesday night's game. “You've got to eat it. We've got to come together and try to work things out. I don't care if we have enough time to do what we want to do to try to get in. I'm just worried about being pros, trying to get our dignity back and just playing the right way. . I think that's the most important part of us being together.”

Because, again, the playoffs are going to be great now.

Wednesday morning picture:

M – metro section; WC – Wild Card; *Playoff games were held.

All of the teams in the running are back at it on Thursday night, including when the Flyers take on the Rangers, who have been undefeated all year, at Madison Square Garden. The Devils, who last beat them in the Stadium Series in February, are at home, followed by the holding Capitals to close out the regular season.

Compared to the competition, pilots also do less work per game.

The rest of the playoff games that each… “hopefully” have:

Yes, it would have to be close to a miracle from the Flyers, who need energy like no other and a lot of help from the hockey gods.

“I don't doubt the care,” Tortorella said after the collapse in Montreal. “I don't question the effort because like I said, this group has been strong all year. And so I feel bad for them, because we – this party is a big deal for us. , and I hate to see us play like this at this time of year after all the good minutes we've had all year.”

But they dug this hole themselves.

As of Wednesday morning, the MoneyPucks odds have the Flyers at a slim 7.5 percent chance. Hockey's playoff odds are nearly non-existent with their 1.8 percent shot, and the Athletics' projections don't give them away. Much better with a 3 percent chance.

It's been a brutal last month, and to say there's been a change would be an understatement.

“It's a shame, obviously,” captain Sean Couturier said from a frustrated locker room Tuesday night.

So, about the project

Because this is where the story will definitely turn.

The Flyers are currently ranked 12th overall in the 2024 draft, which comes with a 2.5 percent chance of winning the lottery, according to Tankathon. However, due to a format change the NHL enacted a few years ago, the maximum a team can move up is 10 slots if they win the draft lottery, meaning the Flyers are the best pick they can make in this scenario. Overall #2.

It's also worth noting that this summer's draft class, outside of consensus No. 1 college center Maclin Celebrini, isn't as strong or game-changing as 2023's, but that's a point of discussion that's better served after the season is over. practically over.

---

Follow Nick on Twitter: @itssnick

Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Sports