The Philadelphia Flyers have another must-win game on Saturday. They can control their own destiny as long as they win out. However, a win on Saturday could provide the Flyers with something more: a chance to punch their playoff ticket on Sunday.
A lot has to fall in the Flyers’ favor, but it’s still possible. It all starts with a win against the Jets on Saturday. Without a win on Saturday, it’s impossible for Philly to punch its ticket before Monday, and maybe even Tuesday.
Oddly enough, there were no NHL games on Friday, so the NHL standings remain the same as they looked on Friday morning. As a refresher, here is how things currently look.
The New York Islanders jumped the Blue Jackets in the standings and are now the Flyers’ biggest threat to the 3rd seed position in the Metro. Both the Islanders and Blue Jackets have a weekend back-to-back.
Things could look very different on Sunday. But, favorable outcomes for the Flyers could have them in position to clinch on Sunday without even playing.
Here is the weekend rooting guide for the Flyers’ playoff push.
Read More: Flyers Game 80: Lines, Notes, & How to Watch @ Jets
As always, the bolded team is the best-case scenario win.
Senators (94, WC2) @ Islanders (91, WC4) – 1:00 pm EST Capitals (89, WC6) @ Penguins (96, M2) –3:00 pm EST Devils (83, Elim) @ Red Wings (91, WC4) – 5:00 pm EST Blue Jackets (90, WC5) @ Canadiens (104, A2) – 7:00 pm EST Flyers (92, M3) @ Jets (82, WWC4) – 7:00 pm EST
If the Flyers win, and the Islanders and Blue Jackets each lose, it creates an interesting situation for Sunday. All three of the Islanders, Blue Jackets, and Capitals will be playing their 81st games of the season on Sunday. That leaves two points on the table for all three teams for the remainder of the year.
If the Flyers can gain a 3-point gap between them and the next best team in the Metropolitan standings on Saturday, they have a chance to clinch the last spot in the division on Sunday. If they get to that point, here is what needs to happen.
Penguins (96, M2) @ Capitals (89, WC6) – 3:00 pm EST Canadiens (104, A2) @ Islanders (91, WC4) – 6:00 pm ESTBruins (96, WC1) @ Blue Jackets (90, WC5) – 6:00 pm EST
If the Capitals lose on Saturday and the Flyers win on Saturday, then their Sunday game becomes a moot point for Philly. As for the other two teams, as long as neither wins any of their next two games, the Flyers can clinch the last spot in the Metro – if they win on Saturday. The Blue Jackets can get one loser point, and Philadelphia would still remain ok.
Again, none of this is possible without a Flyers win on Saturday. It really is another must-game for Philadelphia.
Read More: Flyers Magic Number is Now 6; Updated Look at the Playoff Race & Where Things Stand
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