The Flyers season was 18 seconds away from having a ton of life again. Steve Mason made a huge save, one of 37 in another magnificent performance, as the Flyers held on for dear life while being peppered by the Bruins power play unit.
Every game features its own little battles, minor wins and losses that create the big picture of a full 60-minute win or loss. Claude Giroux and Patrice Bergeron had one of those battles to the left of Mason with 18 seconds left.
Giroux lost. Seconds later, the game was tied. Moments later, the game was over and the Flyers playoff hopes were back on life support.
It comes down to finishing a game. The Flyers had played a strong third period, one that indicated urgency, the need to grab the two points. An unlikely goal had them in that position with less than five minutes to play.
In overtime, opportunity presented itself again. A 3-on-1, a Jake Voracek breakaway. The Flyers couldn't finish. The Bruins did on their sixth shot of the extra session with 1:08 remaining.
Being five points back instead of six doesn't crush the Flyers by any stretch. It's one game and they could easily be within three points again 24 hours after this. But to go from being seconds away from the brink of a playoff spot only to watch it vanish is heartbreaking.
It is the story of the Flyers season: close, but no cigar.
One key to the Bruins late comeback was a tripping call on Wayne Simmonds. Simmonds' stick was in the danger zone, the knees of Daniel Paille.
There is no question of an infraction. But Saturday's game had a playoff feel. Nine times out of 10, no official makes that call in the final 2:30 of any playoff game. You let the teams finish business on the ice.
It was also a nice sell by Paille, who could have easily been whistled for embellishment.
Regardless, it was another obstacle for the Flyers, who had to keep the potent Bruins power play off the board.
They nearly did. Close, but no cigar.
So the Flyers head into their final 16 games five points out of a playoff spot. If the season ends by that margin, or any smaller, you can point to close games as the reason.
On Feb. 5, the Flyers led 2-0 late in the second on the New York Islanders. Two quick goals for the Islanders tied the game going to the third. The Flyers lost in a shootout.
Feb. 10 – the Flyers led the Canadiens with under eight minutes left before allowing the game-tying goal and eventually losing in overtime.
Feb. 13 – the Flyers blew a 3-1 third-period lead in Columbus and lost in overtime.
Feb. 19 – the lowly Buffalo Sabres come to Philadelphia and beat the Flyers 3-2 in a shootout.
March 3 – a disallowed goal in the third is the difference as the Flyers are forced into overtime again against the Flames before falling again in the extra session.
There are your five points, not to mention that the Flyers three losses in regulation since the All-Star break have come to Columbus, Carolina and Toronto.
Opportunity has been there for the Flyers. Saturday was no different. It's about finishing on opportunities and winning the little battles.
The face-off loss in the closing seconds, the late penalty on Simmonds, the fortunate deflection on Brad Marchand's game-winning goal was just another battle lost, another bounce gone awry, another way to lose points. Saturday's game was another opportunity lost.
Close, but no cigar.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
