Just a little over a month ago, the Philadelphia Flyers were a full 13 points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
NHL scores 2015: Flyers continue playoff surge, Bruins bury Blackhawks
Don’t look now, but Philly is in the playoff hunt.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Now? They’re just four points away from sneaking in.
The Flyers continued their incredible surge up the standings with a 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals on Sunday. It was the capper of a terrific weekend that also included a win against the league-best Nashville Predators. How they've managed to not only stay alive, but thrive in the playoff race is beyond comprehension.
Remember, this is a team that lost their MVP and backbone a few weeks ago when goalie Steve Mason suffered an injury. Philadelphia had to rely on the likes of an aging Ray Emery and Rob Zepp to keep them afloat. That duo has more than impressed as a virtual goalie life raft for the club.
Soon, Mason will be back for a playoff push. So will Kimmo Timonen, and whoever the Flyers manage to land at the deadline now that they're officially "buyers." They really are the team that won't die.
Scores
Philadelphia Flyers 3, Washington Capitals 2
Nashville Predators 2, Buffalo Sabres 1 (SO)
New York Rangers 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 3 (SO)
Three things we learned
1. Chicago got embarrassed on home ice.
Of all the times to skate away with an easy win against Boston, Sunday was the best opportunity. The Bruins were in the midst of one of the worst stretches of hockey in franchise history, and playing on the road at the United Center is no easy task. And yet, the Blackhawks were lethargic and got schooled in front of their home fans in a 6-2 loss that qualifies as the worst of the season. It was so bad, it warranted a personal locker room speech by their general manager after the game. Not a good look, Blackhawks.
2. Nathan MacKinnon breaks out.
The 19-year-old Avalanche center enjoyed a stellar rookie season last year but hasn’t found the same stride this season. MacKinnon certainly shone on Sunday, registering his first career hat trick en route to a huge win for Colorado.
3. Vancouver won the game but lost its goalie.
The Canucks picked up an important two points on Long Island, but it came at the cost of their top goaltender. Ryan Miller was injured in the second period after a collision with teammate Jannik Hansen, forcing him to leave the game. Later, he was seen with a heavy limp and a possible leg brace. Not the kind of news the Canucks need as they battle to sew up a playoff spot.
Impact Moment
Brandon Dubinsky making a huge impact with the wall because Martin St. Louis ducked was a pretty awesome moment.
Stat of the Night
Flyers held Ovechkin-Backstrom tandem without a point for sixth time in their careers. Flyers are 5-1 in those games.
— wayne fish (@waynefish1) February 23, 2015 See More:
