Flyers extend Penguins’ woes

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA

The Flyers might still make an impact on the playoffs even though they’re not headed to the postseason.

Steve Mason made 46 saves, and Philadelphia scored on 3 of 4 power-play opportunities to defeat Pittsburgh 4-1 on Sunday.

The Penguins (42-26-11, 95 points) have dropped 10 of their last 13 games and suddenly face the prospect of playing for a postseason spot Tuesday in Ottawa against the Senators. Ottawa is just two points behind Pittsburgh with three games remaining.

“It’s the time of year where you have to be desperate,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said.

“Every shift is so important. It’s the time of year where you want to make a play and you want to be competing, but we have to find a way to get more offense.”

Philadelphia, which is eliminated from playoff contention, completed a season sweep of its instate rival.

“It’s good to beat them twice in the same week,” said Flyers forward Ryan White. “That’s the only thing we can play for right now — to try to put a damper on other teams’ things. They had a few guys last week saying that they’re going to the playoffs, chirping after the game saying that we’re going to be done in a week.

“They’ve had a couple stumbles this week and it was good to put another ‘L’ in their cup.”

If the Penguins fail to make the playoffs, their futility against Philadelphia will be partly to blame.

The Flyers have eight straight victories overall against Pittsburgh and are 17-6-2 in the series the past four seasons.