Flyers can more realistically evaluate season post collapse
Stop me if you’ve heard this already: The Flyers were never supposed to be competitive, and so the fact that they didn’t make the playoffs is not particularly disappointing. Chances are you’ve seen or heard it somewhere if you’ve been paying attention. It’s a major talking point amongst the fan base and media.
Then there’s the other side, comprising of those who are unhappy with the team’s untimely demise at their own hands. After all, the Flyers had close to a 90% chance of making the playoffs at one point but managed to ruin that good fortune in just a few weeks’ span.
Whose side you take largely depends on your penchant for optimism, and whether you value a high draft pick over playoff experience for a young team, or vice versa. It’s easy to understand both arguments. Who doesn’t love playoff hockey? But who can deny the importance of high-value draft assets for a team in the middle of a rebuild?
In any event, the collapse happened, and for the fourth straight year, the Flyers will not be playing postseason hockey. Perhaps though, for reasons other than draft positioning, it’s a blessing in disguise.
READ MORE: Lowry, Connor propel Jets to 7-6 Game 1 win over Avalanche
Captain Adam Lowry and Kyle Connor each scored twice to propel the Winnipeg Jets to a 7-6 Game 1 first-round playoff victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.
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It was the first time the two teams have met in the NHL playoffs.
A sold-out crowd of 15,225 white-clad fans had plenty to cheer about at the “whiteout” parties inside and outside Canada Life Centre.
Mark Scheifele had a goal and two assists and Josh Morrissey registered a goal and assist. Vladislav Namestnikov also scored. Brenden Dillon, Gabriel Vilardi and Nino Niederreiter each added a pair of assists and Connor picked up one helper.
Connor Hellebuyck made 39 saves for the Jets, who are on a nine-game win streak.
Cale Makar had a goal and two assists for Colorado. Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen each notched a goal and one assist. Valeri Nichushkin, Miles Wood and Casey Mittelstadt also scored. Mikko Rantanen chipped in two helpers.
