The Philadelphia Flyers, who seem to be peaking at the right time, made it into the playoffs — but the team faces tough competition on the road to the Stanley Cup.

The Flyers clinched a playoff berth Saturday night with a 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Their first game in the playoffs is against the Washington Capitals tonight at 7:00 in Washington.

The Capitals have home ice advantage, but will be up against a hot Philadelphia team.  The Flyers flipped the switch after the All-Star break, winning 20 out of their last 35 games. The Flyers have scored 11 goals in the last three games and only allowed six.  Right winger Wayne Simmonds scored four of those 11 goals for the Flyers.  

The Caps had the best regular season record in the NHL and are the number one seed in the East heading into the playoffs.

In order for the Flyers to advance to the next round they will have to stop the Capitals talented offense that includes international star Alexander Ovechkin, Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom. The Flyers goaltender Steve Mason will have his work cut out for him against these fiery shooters.

The series returns to Philadelphia for game 3 on Monday, April 18th.

It is the first home game since the passing the of Flyers’ owner and founder Ed Snider.  Emotions will be running high, adding to the intense playoff atmosphere.