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Why sinking Flyers think there's still time

TORONTO - The Flyers were in a surprisingly upbeat mood after another loss to a sad-sack team beneath them in the standings.

TORONTO - The Flyers were in a surprisingly upbeat mood after another loss to a sad-sack team beneath them in the standings.

Their playoff hopes are in grave danger after a 3-2 loss Thursday to a Toronto team that had just three wins in nearly two months.

Yet the prevailing theory around the Flyers' locker room was this: If we continue to play like we did Thursday, we're going to win a lot of games.

The problem with that theory, however, is that it isn't always true. Problem No. 2: The Flyers are running out of time. They have just 20 games remaining, and they have lost to lightweights Columbus, Buffalo, Carolina, and Toronto in the last 12 days.

Those missed points could cost them a playoff berth.

In three of those four games, the Flyers dominated but absorbed crushing losses.

They lost to Columbus, 5-2, despite a 44-25 shots advantage and an 85-38 domination in shot attempts.

They lost to visiting Buffalo , 3-2, despite a 38-32 shots edge and an 84-53 advantage in shot attempts.

 Two nights ago, the Flyers outshot the host Maple Leafs, 49-17, with 89 shot attempts to Toronto's 37.

"We didn't get enough goals, but played hard and did a lot of good things," said coach Craig Berube, whose team hosts the surging New York Rangers (8-0-2 in their last 10 games) on Saturday night.

"We had a lot of shots, a lot of action at the net, a good forecheck, and we were good on the power play," said defenseman Mark Streit after firing a career-high 10 shots. "We just have to shake it off and stay positive and turn the page."

In their last four losses, all to also-rans, the Flyers have been outscored, 9-4, in even-strength situations.

That has to be straightened out quickly if they want next Saturday's game in Boston to carry much meaning.

Entering Friday, the Flyers were four points behind Boston for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. The Bruins had two games in hand, including Friday's matchup in New Jersey.

Florida is two points ahead of the Flyers.

Goalie Steve Mason is expected to make his first start since Feb. 8. Mason, who underwent minor knee surgery on Feb. 10, returned to the lineup Thursday and stopped eight of nine shots in relief of Zepp.

scarchidi@phillynews.com

@BroadStBull