I think it’s probably fair to argue that in hockey – more than any other sport – momentum is huge come playoff time. In individual games, series, and stretches, any team can catch fire and carry their momentum through a round, or two, or the entire spring. The Flyers did it in 2010. And, in theory, they could do it again this year.

So now, let’s look at the last 25 games for both the surging, playing-for-their-playoff-lives Flyers, and the Capitals, who are limp-dicking their way into the postseason with dumb hats. Let’s start with goal differential.

Goal Differential

differential

Beyond the playing-out-of-their-minds Penguins, and Lightning, the Flyers find themselves third in the East and seventh in the league, outscoring their opponents by 11 goals since February 25. And they are one of only two teams – along with the Penguins – to take over 800 shots over that stretch. The Caps are dead in the middle of the league in goal differential, in the 15th spot, but they’re the NUMBER ONE team with a negative differential. That counts for something, right?

In short: The Flyers’ goal differential differential on the Caps is +12 over the last 25 games of the season.

Points

points

HOLY SHIT THE PENGUINS. We’ll worry about them later.

The Flyers are tied for third in the league. Washington comes in at 13, slotted ahead of only three other playoff teams. The Flyers have the second most points in the East.

Kyle: Flyers in 5. #WinForEd