The Flyers still control their playoff destiny, but they made things more difficult on themselves with Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to an Islanders team that had lost 16 of its previous 19 games.
With two regular-season games remaining, the Flyers’ magic number remains at three points. Any combination of three points – those gained by the Flyers or not secured by Florida – will clinch a playoff berth for Philadelphia.
The Flyers, who had their eight-game points streak (5-0-3) snapped Tuesday, will host Carolina on Thursday and the Rangers on Saturday afternoon. They are 2-1 against the Hurricanes and 2-1 against the Rangers this season.