The Philadelphia Flyers have been playing virtual playoff hockey for 6 weeks, but they need to make one last push to finish the job

The Philadelphia Flyers’ playoff push started in earnest way back in February 25. Then they began a long home stand, and Jakub Voracek presciently predicted the Flyers would need 10 points of a possible 12 to stay in the playoff hunt.

The Flyers delivered exactly what the doctor ordered, and it launched them on a strong playoff push. They were playing their best hockey of the year, and went on a hot streak of 8-1-1.

All hot streaks come to an end, however, and perhaps their gas tank is running low. Six weeks is a long time to keep up desperate hockey. In this period, the Flyers have played 21 games, including 5 back to back game sets.

Not only is this a lot of games, but they’ve been taxing games. Playing desperate and winning asks a lot of the players. Furthermore, the stats show the Flyers have indeed been playing more demanding games than most. As measured by shot attempts, the Flyers have seen more total shot attempts pile up than 29 of 30 NHL teams since February 25. Only Toronto has seen more total shot attempts, but they’ve done so by virtue of playing 2 more games than the Flyers.

Despite all this effort, the Philadelphia Flyers still have work to do. After a few losses, they might need to win their last 2 games to secure a playoff spot. This will be another tough task, with back to back games against tough, playoff-bound division rivals.

We’ll learn a lot in today’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins are the hottest team in the NHL, and they’ve recently reversed the domination the Flyers held over them the last few seasons.

The Flyers look like a tired team. In their recent losses, their possession has generally been okay, but they’re having trouble getting chances in dangerous areas, while bleeding odd man rushes the other way.

As if his moment, the Flyers still control their playoff destiny. It might be too much to ask, but they need to find one last reserve of energy to complete their six week playoff chase project. The spirit is willing, but will the body follow?