Sean Couturier

As a surprising Flyers season reaches a disappointing ending, there is wonder if the 2023-24 season was a giant waste of time. That's hardly the case, as the fall from a playoff spot may all be part of the process, and shows just how far that process has to go.

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.

It may be March, but it sure feels like the Flyers are stuck on Groundhog Day. Tuesday's game against the Devils certainly was recognizable. The Flyers fell behind due to a lack of urgency and puck management, only to claw back to within one goal late before time ran out. It's happened at least three times this month now, with the latest installment coming in a 4-3 loss to the Devils. 

Wednesday's game was rock bottom, one of the most embarrassing efforts in Flyers history. After falling behind 2-0 in the first, the Flyers allowed seven goals to the Rangers in the second. You read that right: seven. A touchdown. That's how things got to the final score in a 9-0 shellacking.

Carter Hart's shutout performance plus three second-period goals were the difference, as the Flyers once again defeated the Sabres, 3-0, on Sunday afternoon to complete the weekend sweep.

With a shorthanded lineup once again, the Bruins got another late second-period goal that started the unraveling. This time, it didn't even take until the third. Three goals for the Bruins in 1:39 capped off a four-goal period, as the Flyers were routed in the outdoor game at Lake Tahoe by a score of 7-3 on Sunday night.

The Flyers lost both defenseman Phil Myers and forward Morgan Frost during Tuesday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, and were able to provide an update on both players on Thursday morning. Myers is considered week-to-week with a fractured rib. Frost suffered a dislocated shoulder and is out indefinitely.

Hockey is back. The NHL drops the puck on the 2020-21 season at last on Wednesday evening, and the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins are once again welcoming you back. The season opener from Wells Fargo Center is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.

The start of a new season is finally upon us. The Flyers make their return on Wednesday night when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Before they do, let’s take a look at 10 storylines that will be worth watching as the season progresses.