Apr 7, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) reacts after allowing the game winning goal during the overtime period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Wells Fargo Center. The Leafs defeated the Flyers, 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Flyers could only manage an OT loss against the last place Toronto Maple Leafs, seriously harming their playoff chase

This felt like a must-have. The Philadelphia Flyers were coming off 2 straight losses, but were at home against the last place Toronto Maple Leafs. There’s no margin for error anymore, so they needed these 2 points before tough matchups with the playoff-bound New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Flyers came out with jump, but after their first great scoring chance was foiled by Jonathan Bernier poke check, they conceded one at the other end. Not long after, a breakaway goal made it 2-0. The Flyers poured everything forward, and ultimately did earn a point, but an eventual OT loss feels like a huge letdown. After these last 2 nights, the Flyers’ mathematical playoffs odds have plummeted from 80% to 50%, and it feels even lower knowing their final 2 games come against tough opponents.

Game Events



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Forwards

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With the Philadelphia Flyers desperately pressing, every line was going to have nice looking possession. There’s a bit more hidden in those numbers, however.

For one, there were some line changes. Voracek went to the top line, Schenn to the second line, and Laughton in for Cousins.

The top line wasn’t great. It’s striking how Giroux’s possession against William Nylander was underwater, while the Flyers’ 4th line dominated them. The Giroux line conceded both first period Leaf goals to these guys, as well.

In the last 2 nights, Giroux is -4, Voracek is -4, and Simmonds is -5. These guys piled up the shots, but maybe they were pressing in the wrong ways, conceding goals and odd-man rushes.

Simmonds was sitting at -6, but he gets credit for scoring the last minute goal, which was also the first time he’s hit the 30 goal mark in his career.

Couturier has been steady-eddie. He also made a nice pass to Schenn to get the Flyers on the board.

The Flyers 4th line was their best line in crunch time. It’s nice that they created so much pressure, but that’s a backhanded compliment when your season is on the line and you want your 4th line on the ice.

Defense