Philly Sports Post - Home of the PSP Podcast

On March 21, I posted an article asking the Flyers to step up. At the time, the Flyers had 12 games remaining, the most among all playoff teams, and held their fate in their own hands. All I asked was that they show some consistency and build a little bit of momentum as they moved towards the NHL playoffs. Despite notching a 3-game winning streak (only their second since December) including big wins against the Penguins and Devils, the Flyers have once again faded and come up short on effort and heart. If their recent play is any indication of what we can expect in the playoffs, then we probably shouldn't get our hopes up this spring.

The Flyers lost an uninspired game to the Maple Leafs last night 3-2. The Maple Leafs will not be in the playoffs for the fourth straight season. This is not a game that should be lost by a team trying to focus on the playoffs. Despite a late game surge, the Flyers were simply outplayed by a team playing for nothing. Marty Biron, the goaltender that the Flyers will rest their Stanley Cup hopes on, was pulled from the game in the second period.

The Flyers now have 3 loses in their last 4 games, with their only win coming over the hapless Islanders, the worst team in the NHL. Even in the victory, the Flyers were outplayed by the Islanders for the majority of the game, needing a shoot out to finally secure the 'W'.

Their most recent loss has once again placed the Flyers in a tie with the Penguins for the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference with 92 points. Both teams remain only one point over the Hurricanes and three points over the 7th seeded Rangers. The Flyers have 6 games remaining, while Pittsburgh, Carolina and New York all have 5 games left.

As we pointed out on our Podcast, the Flyers path to the Stanley Cup is not an easy road traveled. Despite their explosive offense, the Flyers defense and goaltending are questionable. The Flyers run to the Eastern Conference finals last year was built on as much heart as it was talent. The one thing that the Flyers cannot afford is a lack of effort and focus. If the Flyers cannot stay focused going into the playoffs, can we really expect them to be able to flip a switch and pick up the pace once the playoffs begin? Home ice advantage could very easily mean the difference between the Flyers making it past the opening round of the playoffs. Why don't they get it?

The remaining schedule for the Flyers seems favorable. They have the Maple Leafs again, the Rangers twice, the Islanders, Panthers and Senators. Of the group, the Rangers are the only team that would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. The Flyers need to capitalize on their schedule and lock up the 4th seed. The idea that the Flyers can play "consistently inconsistent" and make any noise this spring is over. The Flyers cannot trade wins and loses and think they have a shot at The Cup. My challenge to the Flyers is the same as it was six games ago. Play 60 minutes of consistent hockey in each of the remaining six games, put some wins together and develop some momentum that you can build from. The next six games will reveal a lot. If the Flyers show that they can't handle a group of inferior opponents over the next eleven days, how can we expect much from them in the playoffs?