One day after responding to General Manager Paul Holmgren’s scolding with an 8-5 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Flyers can clinch an all-important playoff spot tonight as they visit the Ottawa Senators at 7 p.m.
The Flyers are currently sitting uncomfortably in the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference, just one point ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes, with a game in hand and five games left to play in the season. It is imperative for the Flyers to defeat the teams mathematically out of the playoffs with teams fighting for a spot, like the New York Rangers (twice) and Florida Panthers, on the docket.
The Senators have lost four of five on a long road swing, but return home to take on the Flyers, who are 2-3 in their last six. The Flyers lost to the Sens. 5-2, in their last meeting in February and are trailing 1-2 in the season series.
However, it won’t be easy going for Philadelphia, who catch Ottawa in a seven-game home win streak.
Notes:
Flyers’ rookie Claude Giroux has a three-game point and goal streak on the line tonight. He has seven points in his last three games (three goals and four assists).
Phila.Bright 