Flyers Magic Number at 3: Playoff Clinch Scenarios

Philadelphia can clinch a playoff spot with a combination of at least 3 points in their final 2 games.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:50pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the rink broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the high-stakes tension of the Flyers' playoff chase.The Flyers' playoff push is captured in a cubist, deconstructed style that reflects the intensity and complexity of the final games of the NHL regular season.Today in Pittsburgh

The Philadelphia Flyers reduced their magic number to clinch an Eastern Conference playoff spot to 3 after a 7-1 blowout win over the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday. The Flyers, currently third in the Metropolitan Division, can secure a postseason berth with any combination of at least 3 points earned in their final two regular season games against the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens.

Why it matters

The Flyers are looking to return to the playoffs after missing out last season. Clinching a top-3 spot in the Metro would set up a first-round matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins, their longtime divisional rival.

The details

The Flyers' magic number includes any points they earn themselves, as well as any points their closest pursuers in the Metro, the Columbus Blue Jackets, fail to earn. If the Boston Bruins beat the Blue Jackets in regulation on Sunday, it would cut the Flyers' magic number to 1, meaning a regulation tie against Carolina or Montreal would clinch a playoff spot for Philadelphia if Columbus loses in regulation.

  • The Flyers play the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • The Flyers play the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The Boston Bruins play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Sean Couturier

Captain of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Rick Tocchet

Head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers.

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What they’re saying

“We haven't won anything yet.”

— Sean Couturier, Flyers Captain

What’s next

If the Boston Bruins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets in regulation on Sunday, April 13, the Flyers' magic number to clinch a playoff spot would be reduced to 1. In that scenario, a regulation tie against either the Hurricanes or Canadiens would secure a postseason berth for Philadelphia.

The takeaway

The Flyers are in the driver's seat to return to the playoffs, but they still need to take care of business in their final two regular season games. Even with a favorable scenario unfolding on Sunday, the Flyers want to avoid having their playoff spot come down to a tiebreaker with the Blue Jackets.