Flyers clinch first playoff spot since 2020 with shootout win over Hurricanes

Philadelphia ends 6-year playoff drought, set to face Sidney Crosby and the Penguins in first round

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:25am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring dynamic, swirling brushstrokes of orange, black, and neon colors, conveying the raw energy and excitement of the Philadelphia Flyers clinching a playoff berth after years of struggle.The Flyers' long-awaited return to the NHL playoffs is celebrated with a vibrant, energetic painting that captures the team's renewed spirit and the joy of its passionate fanbase.Today in Pittsburgh

The Philadelphia Flyers have clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2020, defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in a shootout. Tyson Foerster scored the only goal in the shootout to send Philadelphia to the postseason, setting up a first-round series with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby. The Flyers' return to the playoffs marks a meaningful milestone for the franchise and its fans after years of struggling.

Why it matters

The Flyers' playoff berth ends a six-year drought and is a significant step in the team's rebuild. Philadelphia has been one of the model franchises in the NHL, but had fallen on hard times in recent years, failing to win a playoff series since 2010. This playoff appearance gives the team's young core, including prospects like Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone, valuable postseason experience as they aim to return the Flyers to Stanley Cup contention.

The details

In the must-win game against the Hurricanes, the Flyers rallied from a 2-0 deficit with goals from Michkov and Trevor Zegras to force overtime. In the shootout, Tyson Foerster scored the decisive goal to clinch the playoff spot. Foerster's season was considered done in early December due to injury, but he returned this month to play a key role in the Flyers' playoff-clinching victory.

  • The Flyers clinched a playoff spot on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • Philadelphia last made the playoffs in the 2019-20 season.

The players

Tyson Foerster

A 24-year-old forward who scored the shootout-winning goal to send the Flyers to the playoffs. Foerster missed 49 games earlier this season due to injury but returned in time to play a crucial role in the playoff-clinching victory.

Matvei Michkov

A young Flyers prospect who scored a goal in the comeback against the Hurricanes. Michkov and 19-year-old rookie Porter Martone are expected to be key pieces in the Flyers' future as they aim to return to Stanley Cup contention.

Rick Tocchet

The Flyers' first-year head coach, who has helped guide the team back to the playoffs after years of struggles. Tocchet is a former Flyers player who understands the team's history and the importance of this playoff berth for the franchise and its fans.

Danny Briere

The Flyers' general manager, who has overseen the team's organizational overhaul and rebuild over the past few seasons. Briere has prioritized developing the team's young talent rather than making quick fixes, a strategy that has now paid off with a playoff appearance.

Sidney Crosby

The star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who the Flyers will face in the first round of the playoffs. Crosby and the Penguins have been a longtime rival of the Flyers, adding extra intrigue to the upcoming playoff series.

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What they’re saying

“It's going to be a lot of fun. These guys in this room love each other. It's going to be a blast. But the job's not done.”

— Owen Tippett, Flyers forward

“I'm enjoying watching these games, win these pressure games. As coach, like, I'm not nervous. I'm excited for these guys.”

— Rick Tocchet, Flyers head coach

“We're all going to be behind them in their playoff run. Can't wait to see them get out there. ... I don't know if we're ever going to be able to sneak over to a game, but hopefully we can.”

— Kyle Schwarber

What’s next

The Flyers will face the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby in the first round of the NHL playoffs. The series schedule has not been announced yet, but the teams will begin their postseason matchup in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Flyers' return to the playoffs after a six-year drought is a significant milestone for the franchise and its long-suffering fans. The team's young core, led by prospects like Michkov and Martone, now have valuable playoff experience to build upon as they aim to restore the Flyers to their former status as one of the NHL's elite franchises and contenders for the Stanley Cup.