With playoffs around the corner teams around the NHL are fighting for spots to get in. In the east metropolitan division the Flyers have maintained a number two spot right behind arch rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Around Philly “CLUTCH TIME” is the new slogan.

The Flyers record in their last fifteen games 12-2-1. It is also the first time in two years that the Flyers have gone on a five game win streak. Captain Claude Giroux is leading the team with 75 points and tied with teammate Wayne Simmonds with 24 goals. Scott Hartnell, Matt Read, and Jakub Voracek trail close behind with around to 20 a piece. Playoffs are huge time of the year for hockey and everyone knows you need to be hot going into them. Flyers goalie Steve Mason has been standing on his head for the team along with back up Ray Emery. Emery stood tall against the Chicago Blackhawks sharp shooters and Mason lead the team to two victories against the Penguins, including a 4-0 shutout. Mason was also in net for the Flyers huge win against the best team in the league the St. Louis Blues in a 4-1 victory. As for the fans we are all happy to see the orange and black back in action. Especially after a disappointing season last year.

“Claude is finally stepping up and owning the “C”, I think he has a chip on his shoulder after not making the Canadian team this year,” Flyers fan and hockey player Dan MacDuff said.

Fans are loving the excitement that the Flyers are producing, they are flying around, hitting and most importantly scoring.

“I love seeing different faces scoring every night, Shenner and Simmonds make a great duo on the ice. The power play is doing good and I love seeing Vinny Lecavalier mesh with his new team,” said senior Tristan Seth.

What it comes down to is can the Flyers continue to stay on this hot streak throughout playoffs.

“Mason and Emery have to keep playing well, hot goalies at the end of the year are what wins cups. I mean hey look at the Kings two years ago,” explained senior Nick Gold. Gold is referring to Jonathan Quick’s outstanding play during the playoffs when the Kings made a run from 8th seed to win the Stanley Cup.

New guys have to step up, veterans need to keep leading, and the goaltending needs to keep standing tall.

“I’m looking for some young scorers to get involved, Sean Couturier fell off but I think both him and Luke Shenn will do their part when the time comes,” junior Steve Cahill explained.

It is going to be a long journey on the way to the cup, full of tough opponents and old rivals. The original black and orange need to come back. Against teams like Montreal, Boston and Pittsburgh you have to not only score goals but be very physical. Philly is itching for a win, so lets go Flyers!