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Flyers can’t hold late two-goal lead in loss to Blue Jackets, which could be costly to playoff hopes

Steve Mason, Andrew MacDonald, Oliver Bjorkstrand

Philadelphia Flyers’ Steve Mason, center, makes a save as teammate Andrew MacDonald, left, and Columbus Blue Jackets’ Oliver Bjorkstrand, right, of Denmark, look for a rebound during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, March 22, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

AP

It was the win that got away.

Facing the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday and less than two minutes away from a regulation win, the Philadelphia Flyers couldn’t lock up two critical points in their chase for a playoff position.

Within the span of 1:04 in the third period, the Flyers watched as their two-goal lead deteriorated. Boone Jenner got Columbus on the board and Cam Atkinson tied the game with eight seconds remaining in regulation.

Overtime solved nothing. In the end, Philadelphia lost by a final score of 3-2 in the shootout. Jenner was the only player to score in the breakaway contest.

Here’s the league’s explanation of Jenner’s regulation goal:

At 18:56 of the third period in the Flyers/Blue Jackets game, video review supported the referee’s call on the ice that Boone Jenner’s stick was at or below the level of the crossbar when he deflected the puck into the Philadelphia net. According to Rule 38.4 (vi) “The determining factor is where the puck makes contact with the stick in relation to the crossbar. If the puck makes contact with the portion of the stick that is at or below the level of the crossbar and enters the goal, this goal shall be allowed.” Good goal Columbus.

Just like that. So close to a win, only to see it end in a shootout loss. The Flyers still earn the single point.

The Flyers even got help on the out-of-town scoreboard, as the Tampa Bay Lightning crushed the Red Wings by a score of 6-2. Had the Flyers won their game, they would’ve moved one point ahead of Detroit for that final Wild Card spot.

As it stands now, the Flyers still move into the Wild Card. They’re tied in points (83) with the Red Wings, with a game in hand.