Flyers Clinch First Playoff Berth in 6 Years with Shootout Win Over Canes

Tyson Foerster's shootout goal secures crucial victory for Philadelphia in season finale

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the intense action and emotion of a hockey shootout, the players' forms dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.The Flyers' dramatic shootout victory over the Hurricanes ignites a burst of playoff-bound energy in Philadelphia.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Flyers rallied from a late deficit to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in a shootout, clinching their first playoff berth in six seasons. Tyson Foerster scored the decisive goal in the extra round of the shootout to give the Flyers the victory in the penultimate game of the regular season for both teams.

Why it matters

Making the playoffs for the first time since 2020 is a major milestone for the Flyers, who have struggled in recent years to return to the postseason. This win secures their spot and ends a lengthy drought, providing a much-needed boost of momentum heading into the playoffs.

The details

After the Hurricanes took a late 2-1 lead, the Flyers forced overtime with a late goal to tie the game and send it to a shootout. In the extra round, Tyson Foerster scored the only goal to give Philadelphia the victory and clinch their first playoff berth in six seasons.

  • The game was played on April 13, 2026.
  • This was the penultimate game of the regular season for both the Flyers and Hurricanes.

The players

Tyson Foerster

A forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who scored the decisive shootout goal to clinch the team's first playoff berth in six years.

Philadelphia Flyers

An NHL hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that has clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2020.

Carolina Hurricanes

An NHL hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina that lost to the Flyers in a shootout in the penultimate game of the regular season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a huge moment for our team and our fans. We've been working hard to get back to the playoffs and this win is the culmination of all that effort.”

— Tyson Foerster, Forward, Philadelphia Flyers

What’s next

The Flyers will await their first-round playoff opponent, which will be determined in the final games of the regular season.

The takeaway

The Flyers' shootout victory over the Hurricanes ends a six-year playoff drought for the franchise, providing a much-needed boost of momentum and optimism as they prepare to return to the postseason.