Flyers clinch playoff berth with shootout win

Goalie Dan Vladar's heroics send Philadelphia to the postseason

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant brushstrokes of neon colors that capture the intense energy and movement of a hockey shootout, with the goaltender's form dissolving into a blur of paint.The Flyers' dramatic shootout victory over the Hurricanes clinches a long-awaited playoff berth for the resilient Philadelphia squad.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Flyers clinched a spot in the 2026 NHL playoffs with a dramatic shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar made several key saves in the shootout to preserve the win and secure his team's place in the postseason.

Why it matters

Making the playoffs is a major accomplishment for the Flyers, who struggled through a rebuilding season but managed to rally late and earn a berth in the Stanley Cup tournament. This will be the team's first playoff appearance since 2024.

The details

In a tight game that ended 2-2 after regulation, the Flyers and Hurricanes went to a shootout. Vladar, who had 35 saves in the game, stopped all four Carolina shooters to give Philadelphia the victory. The win clinched a playoff spot for the Flyers, who have been working to rebuild their roster over the past two seasons.

  • The game was played on April 13, 2026.

The players

Dan Vladar

The Flyers' starting goaltender, who made several key saves in the shootout to preserve the win.

Philadelphia Flyers

The NHL hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that clinched a playoff berth with the victory.

Carolina Hurricanes

The NHL hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina that lost to the Flyers in the shootout.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us. The guys battled hard all night and Dan came up big in the shootout to get us into the playoffs. I'm proud of the effort.”

— John Tortorella, Head Coach, Philadelphia Flyers

What’s next

The Flyers will await the results of other games to determine their first-round playoff opponent. Their first postseason game is scheduled for April 16, 2026.

The takeaway

The Flyers' late-season surge and shootout victory over the Hurricanes demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to overcome a challenging campaign. Earning a playoff berth is a significant milestone in the organization's rebuilding process.