Flyers clinch playoff berth with shootout win over Hurricanes

Philadelphia secures first postseason appearance in 6 years with comeback victory

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with fragmented player forms and sticks colliding in a dynamic, abstract composition.The Flyers' dramatic comeback victory over the Hurricanes showcases the raw energy and competitive spirit of the NHL playoffs.Today in Pittsburgh

The Philadelphia Flyers came from behind to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in a shootout on Monday, clinching their first playoff berth since 2020. Tyson Foerster scored the decisive goal in the shootout after Matvei Michkov and Trevor Zegras tallied in regulation to erase a 2-0 deficit. The win eliminated the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets from playoff contention.

Why it matters

The Flyers' return to the playoffs ends a six-year drought and sets up a highly anticipated postseason matchup with their in-state rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins. For the Hurricanes, the loss was their first in eight games, but they still clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

The details

Philadelphia scored twice in the second period to tie the game at 2-2. Michkov put the Flyers on the board with a goal from the left circle, and Zegras netted a power-play tally to even the score. Carolina had taken a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals from Bradly Nadeau and Nikolaj Ehlers. In overtime, Carolina's Jackson Blake hit the post, setting the stage for Foerster's decisive shootout goal.

  • The game was the penultimate contest of the regular season for both teams.
  • Ehlers' power-play goal came 25 seconds after Christian Dvorak went off for holding.
  • Zegras' game-tying goal came with 9:29 left in the second period.

The players

Tyson Foerster

The Flyers forward scored the only goal in the four-round shootout to clinch Philadelphia's playoff berth.

Matvei Michkov

The Flyers forward scored a goal in regulation to help Philadelphia rally from a 2-0 deficit.

Trevor Zegras

The Flyers forward scored a power-play goal in the second period to tie the game at 2-2.

Nikolaj Ehlers

The Hurricanes forward scored a goal and added an assist in the losing effort.

Bradly Nadeau

The Hurricanes forward opened the scoring with a goal in the first period.

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What they’re saying

“We must have been down 2-0, but the guys never quit. This team has shown so much heart all season, and I'm proud of them for clinching a playoff spot.”

— John Tortorella, Flyers Head Coach

“It's disappointing to lose, but we've already clinched the top spot in the East. Now we can focus on getting healthy and ready for the playoffs.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Hurricanes Head Coach

What’s next

The Flyers will open the playoffs with a first-round series against their in-state rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Hurricanes will have home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs after clinching the top seed.

The takeaway

The Flyers' comeback win not only ended their six-year playoff drought, but it also eliminated the Capitals and Blue Jackets from contention, setting up an exciting all-Pennsylvania first-round matchup. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes' loss was their first in eight games, but they still secured the East's top seed as they look to make a deep postseason run.