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Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018: Philadelphia Flyers clinch postseason spot

By Dave Stevenson |
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 07: Claude Giroux #28 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates one of his two second period goals against the New York Rangers with Shayne Gostisbehere #53 and Sean Couturier #14 on April 7, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 07: Claude Giroux #28 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates one of his two second period goals against the New York Rangers with Shayne Gostisbehere #53 and Sean Couturier #14 on April 7, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Philadephia Flyers have shocked the world by making the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018

It’s a great time to be a Philadelphia sports fan. Not only did the Philadelphia Eagles do the seemingly impossible and beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, the Villanova men’s basketball team recently won the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. You can add the Philadelphia Flyers to the list, as they’ve officially clinched their spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018.

Though it took them until game 82 to do so, a 5-0 win over the New York Rangers ensures their spot in the postseason. The Flyers being in the playoffs means the Florida Panthers, despite a very noble effort at the end of the season, will not make it to the postseason.

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For the second time in three seasons, Philly has surprised everyone by making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Back in November, the Flyers had a double-digit losing streak, which lasted nearly a month. However, credit the Broad Street Bullies for righting their ship.

Captain Claude Giroux has been a huge reason for their success this season. Though he won’t win the Art Ross Trophy, he’ll still finish second in points, just behind Connor McDavid. Giroux was coming off his least productive season since 2009-10.

But the captain took the criticism he received to heart. After a switch to left wing, Giroux has over 100 points in a season for the first time in his career. Jakub Voracek (85 points) and Sean Couturier (76 points) have also set career highs. The latter nearly doubled his previous career best of 39 points set in 2013-14 and 2015-16.

Shayne Gostisbehere (64 points) and Ivan Provorov (17 goals) have been outstanding defensively for the Flyers. They got a lot of offense from their blueline, as Philadelphia has gotten 49 goals from their defensemen.

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Travis Konecny (47 points) has been having a terrific season as well. 2017 second overall pick Nolan Patrick has quietly put up 21 points in 32 games since the All-Star Break. The Flyers have had issues with consistency, but when they are at their best, they have a chance against anyone. Now it’s a matter of them playing their best for the next two months.

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