dailyloe.com – The Philadelphia Flyers host the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday in a critical late-season NHL matchup. Both teams are tied with 86 points through 74 games played. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. EDT at Xfinity Mobile Arena and will be televised on NBCSP.
This game is a must-win for both clubs’ playoff hopes. Each team currently sits below the Eastern Conference wildcard cutoff line. The Columbus Blue Jackets hold the final spot, just two points ahead.
The Flyers defeated the Red Wings 5-3 in Detroit last Saturday. Philadelphia built a 4-0 lead before Detroit scored three quick goals. An empty-net goal finally secured the Flyers’ road victory.
Philadelphia could temporarily move ahead of Columbus with a win. This requires a Flyers victory and a Carolina Hurricanes regulation win over Columbus. The Flyers have played one fewer game than the Blue Jackets.
Ultimately, Philadelphia must surpass Columbus by at least one point. This would remove the Blue Jackets’ regulation wins tiebreaker advantage. The playoff race remains incredibly tight with few games left.
The home crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena will provide major energy. Flyers partisans are ready to give the home team a jolt. It is up to the players to convert that energy into a win.
Coaches Rick Tocchet and Todd McLellan will face off again. Their teams have nearly identical records this season. Every strategic decision will be magnified in this high-stakes game.[]
Source: NHL.com
