A failed coach's challenge allowed for two quick power-play goals, then another late in the first period essentially already put the game out of reach, as the Flyers streak reached 11 games with a 6-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon.
Less than 24 hours before the trade deadline, the Flyers were left with a stunning defeat to the Buffalo Sabres, the NHL lowest team in the standings, handed a loss by lowly Buffalo for the second time in two weeks. It was the most fitting of endings for a team that has continued to get in their own way all season.
The Sabres tied the game with 3:03 left after an icing by the Flyers, then scored again with 2:38 to play to take the lead away from the Flyers in a matter of 25 seconds. Buffalo also managed the empty-netter to secure the 5-3 result on Sunday afternoon at Wells Fargo Center.
The Flyers got an outstanding performance from Brian Elliott in goal. They got clutch goals when they needed them the most to take control of the game on the scoreboard. They lost two more players due to injury, and await the update on both, but saw players step up in big situations. Here are five takeaways from Tuesday's 3-0 Flyers win over the Sabres.
The Flyers season is over, and it sets up for an interesting offseason for GM Chuck Fletcher, one that begins now that the season is over and will carry over throughout the summer and as the 2019-20 season approaches.
For a change, the Flyers got off to a quick start and never looked back, leading nearly wire to wire in a 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres that, for now, improved their playoff hopes slightly.