Philadelphia Flyers secure first playoff berth since 2020

Tyson Foerster's shootout goal clinches playoff spot for Flyers in win over Hurricanes

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:38am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the ice reduced to angular shapes and planes of color, the puck as the central focal point.The Flyers' hard-fought playoff clinching win over the Hurricanes showcases the raw energy and intensity of professional hockey through a cubist, geometric lens.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Flyers clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2020 with a 3-2 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night. Goaltender Dan Vladar made the decisive save in the shootout to send the Flyers to the postseason, where they will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round.

Why it matters

The Flyers' playoff berth ends a two-year drought and marks a successful first season for new head coach Rick Tocchat. The Hurricanes, despite resting several key players, still secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference and will be among the favorites to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

The details

Trailing 2-0 in the second period, the Flyers rallied with goals from Matvei Michkov and Trevor Zegras to tie the game. After a scoreless overtime, Tyson Foerster scored the only goal in the shootout to give the Flyers the victory. The win was the Flyers' 21st comeback win of the season, showcasing their resilience.

  • The game was played on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • The Flyers last made the playoffs in 2020.

The players

Rick Tocchat

The first-year head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers who led the team to its first playoff berth since 2020.

Dan Vladar

The Flyers' goaltender who made the decisive save in the shootout to clinch the playoff spot for Philadelphia.

Tyson Foerster

The Flyers' forward who scored the only goal in the shootout to secure the win and playoff berth for Philadelphia.

Sebastian Aho

One of the Hurricanes' top scorers who was held out of the game as Carolina rested several key players.

Jordan Staal

The Hurricanes' team captain who was also held out of the game as Carolina rested its top players.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Flyers will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Flyers' playoff berth marks a successful first season for new head coach Rick Tocchat and ends a two-year drought for the franchise. Despite resting key players, the Hurricanes still secured the top seed in the East and will be among the favorites to reach the Stanley Cup Final.