The Flyers clinch a playoff spot!

Thank goodness we don't have to wait until the final game of the season again to know whether the Flyers would make the playoffs. After beating the Stars in a shootout on Saturday night, the Flyers became the first team in the Eastern Conference to clinch a playoff spot. While it was a foregone conclusion that the Flyers were going to the playoffs this year, it's still nice to get that taken care of early.

The next goal for the Flyers will be to try to procure the top seed in the East. While they haven't been playing their best hockey lately, the Flyers still have a two point lead over the Capitals with two games in hand. Getting that number one seed will likely set up a first round matchup with the Rangers, Sabres or Hurricanes, all teams the Flyers have handled pretty easily at times this year (with the exception of that debacle at MSG a few weeks back).

With 9 players with double digit goals, two solid goaltenders and an incredibly deep defense, as long as they stay healthy, the Flyers are poised for another deep playoff run. Not having to scramble in the final weeks to get into the playoffs should help them be rested and ready to get back to the Cup Finals.
(AP PHOTO)