Well it’s been a realistic for a while, but now it’s real. The Flyers were mathematically eliminated from the 2025 NHL playoffs after their loss tonight in Montreal. Last season the Flyers were not eliminated, at least mathematically, until the final moments of their 82nd game. They have five games remaining on this year’s schedule.
The Orange and Black have not made a playoff appearance since 2020 when they were knocked off by the New York Islanders in the second round. This is the 2nd longest playoff drought in franchise history, beaten only by the stretch from 1990-1995. Just like last year the post season was not out of the question until the dreaded month of March arrived and steam rolled the short term aspirations of the team.
Montreal
The Flyers played a respectable game against the Habs on Saturday night. Ryan Poehling scored early in the game and that 1-0 lead held up till the 3rd period. Samuel Ersson played a very solid first two periods. He was called on a number of times to make the big saves, most notably a flashing glove save on Christian Dvorak.
The Canadiens came out swarming in the 3rd period and scored three unanswered goals in the first 10:39. It’s not like Ersson melted down or anything, Montreal was just suddenly relentless and the Flyers could not hold them at bay. The 3rd goal came after the Flyers netminder misplayed a puck that was picked up by Nick Susuki. Everyone had a chance to pick him up as he circled the Flyers zone before scoring the short-handed goal.
The Flyers pulled Ersson for the extra attacker with 3:34 left in regulation. Tyson Foerster went above and beyond to get the Flyers within one with forty seconds left on the clock.
The Canadiens were short-handed after being called for delay of game. The Flyers kept their goalie on the bench to take advantage of a 6-on-4 situation. Foerster set up shop in the slot. He got away with one when he smacked the stick of Jake Evans out of his hands sending it flying through the air. Travis Konecny passed the puck through the stickless Hab to Foerster who fired the puck blocker side past Montreal netminder Sam Montembeault.
The Flyers were not able to complete the come-back and time ran out with the puck in the Montreal zone and the Canadiens up by a score of 3-2. Overall it was not a bad effort by the Flyers. Both teams played hard there was a combined total of 64 hits during the course of the game. This marked the team’s 1st loss under interim coach Brad Shaw.
Matvei Michkov
Every player eventually has an off night, this one belonged to Matvei Michkov. It was a very uncharacteristic sixty minutes for the Calder Trophy contender. He just could not catch a bounce, no matter what he seemed to do the puck would absolutely not behave. He also took a nasty high-stick to the face which left him playing most of the game with a huge cut on his nose. Due to many assorted circumstances beyond his control he was not able to be the difference in this close contest.
Karsen Dorwart
The newest Flyer made his NHL debut tonight. Karsen Dorwart who was signed to a 2 year ECL this week took the ice for the first time with his new team in Montreal. Karsen is a 6′-1″ 194-lb center who was signed by the Flyers after his season at Michigan State University had concluded.
Dorwart looked right at home in this NHL situation. He did not appear at all hesitant getting into the play, taking the body, and keeping up with the pace. He was strong with the puck and registered two shots on goal. It was a solid first outing. He was playing on a line with Nicolas Deslauriers and Garnet Hathaway which is bound to make anyone feel well supported during their first shifts in the big show.
Next Up: The Flyers will be in NYC to face the Rangers Wednesday night at 7:30.
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