The 2002–03 Philadelphia Flyers season was the

Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...

' 36th season in the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...

(NHL). After a hard-fought seven-game victory over the

Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...

in the first round — their first playoff series win in three years — the Flyers were eliminated in six games by the

Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...

in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Off-season

On May 14, the Flyers hired

Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup () is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, and the International Ic ...

-winning head coach

Ken Hitchcock Kenneth S. Hitchcock (born December 17, 1951) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey coach. Hitchcock coached the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues and Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League ...

to replace

Bill Barber William Charles Barber (born July 11, 1952) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward who played twelve seasons for the Philadelphia Flyers in the National Hockey League (NHL). As part of the famed LCB ( Leach, Clarke, Barber) line, ...

, who was fired on April 30. Hitchcock, who had served as an assistant coach for the Flyers for three seasons from 1990 to 1993, had been fired three months earlier by the

Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas. The Stars compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The Stars ...

midway through his seventh season as the team's head coach.

Craig Hartsburg Craig William Hartsburg (born June 29, 1959) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and head coach, who currently serves as an amateur scout and defense development coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League ( ...

, head coach of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and a former Flyers assistant coach from 1990 to 1994, and

Wayne Fleming Wayne Fleming (July 6, 1950 – March 25, 2013) was a Canadian ice hockey coach. He served as assistant coach in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Islanders and ...

, head coach of the Canadian national team, were hired as assistant coaches. The Flyers made three trades in the ten days leading up to the 2002 NHL entry draft. On June 12, goaltender

Brian Boucher Brian Boucher ( ; born January 2, 1977) is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender who is a game analyst on national TNT games and also Philadelphia Flyers games on NBC Sports Philadelphia. He played 13 seasons in the National Ho ...

and a 2002 third-round pick were traded to the

Phoenix Coyotes The Arizona Coyotes are an inactive professional ice hockey team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. They competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division (1996–1998, 2021–2024) and ...

for centerman Michal Handzus and goaltender

Robert Esche Robert L. Esche (born January 22, 1978) is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender who is the current president of the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Utica City FC of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) ...

, effectively cementing Roman Cechmanek as the Flyers' starting goaltender. Made expendable by Handzus' acquisition, centerman Jiri Dopita was traded to the

Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton. The Oilers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

six days later for a 2003 third-round pick and a conditional 2004 draft pick. A day before the draft the Flyers made a surprising trade that saw them acquire the fourth overall pick, which they used to select highly touted Finnish defenseman Joni Pitkanen, from the

Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...

in exchange for third-line winger

Ruslan Fedotenko Ruslan Viktorovych Fedotenko (born January 18, 1979) is a former professional ice hockey winger. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, in his National Hockey League (NHL) career he played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York ...

and two 2002 second-round picks. Though Tampa Bay received some criticism for what was seen as a light return for a high draft pick, the trade ultimately came back to haunt the Flyers two years later in the Eastern Conference Finals, when Fedotenko scored six goals against them as the Lightning advanced to the

2004 Stanley Cup Finals The 2004 Stanley Cup Finals was the Stanley Cup Finals, championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2003–04 NHL season, 2003–04 season, and the culmination of the 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Eastern Conference (NHL), Easter ...

. Philadelphia stood pat when free agency opened on July 1 and opted not to re-sign trade deadline acquisition

Adam Oates Adam Robert Oates (born August 27, 1962) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, former co-head coach for the New Jersey Devils and former head coach for the Washington Capitals. He played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League (N ...

as well as veteran defenseman

Luke Richardson Luke Glen Richardson (born March 26, 1969) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. He most recently served as List of NHL head coaches, head coach for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was sel ...

, both Group III unrestricted free agents. The Flyers received compensatory picks in the 2003 NHL entry draft from the league for both players after they signed with

Anaheim Anaheim ( ) is a city in northern Orange County, California, United States, part of the Greater Los Angeles area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 346,824, making it the most populous city in Orange County, the tenth-most ...

and Columbus respectively, garnering a third-round pick for Oates and a fourth-round pick for Richardson.

Regular season

The Flyers started the season strong amid a league-wide crackdown on obstruction, averaging four goals per game during October — including four six-goal outings — and posting a 9–1–2–0 record in their first twelve games. The stricter rules enforcement was short-lived, however, and Philadelphia in particular averaged only 2.4 goals per game from November through the end of the regular season. The team hit a rough patch in November, managing just one win in a ten-game stretch — a 3–2 victory over Tampa Bay on November 19. Veteran winger

John LeClair John Clark LeClair (born July 5, 1969) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins from 1991 to 2006. W ...

, off to a strong start with 11 goals in his first 21 games, suffered a dislocated shoulder on November 27 against Pittsburgh that kept him out of the lineup until March. One of the highlights of the season occurred on December 5 against the

New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...

when centerman Michal Handzus won the game on a

penalty shot A penalty shot or penalty kick is a play used in several sports whereby a Goal (sport), goal is attempted during untimed play. Depending on the sport, when a player commits certain types of penalties, the opposition is awarded a penalty shot or k ...

with less than a minute left in overtime to give the Flyers a 3–2 victory. Handzus became the second NHL player to ever score an overtime goal on a penalty shot, the first being

David Legwand David A. Legwand (born August 17, 1980) is an American former professional ice hockey forward who played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was the first player ever drafted by the Nashville Predators, with whom he spent 12 full ...

of the

Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Divisio ...

two years earlier. In early December, the Flyers swapped defensemen with the

San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. The Sharks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Con ...

, sending Dan McGillis west in exchange for

Marcus Ragnarsson Marcus Ragnarsson (born 13 August 1971) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey Defenceman, defenseman who played nine seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers, and nine seasons in the Swedis ...

. In his sixth season with the Flyers, McGillis' offensive production had dropped considerably since his career best 49-point season during the 2000–01 season while Ragnarsson was viewed as a steadier, stay-at-home defenseman who could better complement rookie Dennis Seidenberg and, later, the offensively inclined Kim Johnsson. Ragnarsson signed a two-year contract extension with the club in February. Approaching the season's midway point, the Flyers started January with six straight wins as well as ten wins in their first eleven games of 2003 before losing four straight heading into the

All-Star An all-star team is a group of people all having a high level of performance in their field. Originating in sports, it has since drifted into vernacular and has been borrowed heavily by the entertainment industry. Sports "All-star" as a sport ...

break. Injuries to young wingers Simon Gagne (groin strain) and

Justin Williams Justin Craig Williams (born October 4, 1981) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitals ...

(torn knee ligaments) forced both out of the lineup for extended periods, prompting the Flyers to acquire winger

Sami Kapanen Sami Hannu Antero Kapanen (born 14 June 1973) is a Finnish professional ice hockey coach and former player. He played 12 NHL seasons for the Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers. He is the majority owner of ...

from Carolina on February 7. Three more trades followed in the days leading up to March 11 trade deadline. On March 1, veteran defenseman and former Flyer Dmitri Yushkevich was acquired from the

Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles. The Kings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. ...

for two draft picks. A week later, a fifth-round draft pick was sent to the

New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (N ...

for fourth-line centerman Claude Lapointe. The Flyers made their biggest move on the eve of the deadline, acquiring former 40-goal scorer

Tony Amonte Anthony Lewis Amonte (born August 2, 1970) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played right wing over 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphi ...

from Phoenix for prospect

Guillaume Lefebvre Guillaume Lefebvre (born May 7, 1981) is a former Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played four seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Boston Bruins. Playing career Lefeb ...

, a 2003 third-round pick, and a 2004 second-round pick. These moves plus LeClair's return to the lineup spurred a 10–2–2–0 run that saw Philadelphia finish one point behind the

New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The club w ...

for the division title. The Flyers goaltending tandem of starter Roman Cechmanek and backup

proved reliable during the regular season, combining for eight shutouts. Cechmanek, who had a club single season record 1.83 goals against average, was voted the team's most valuable player. The team tied New Jersey for the fewest goals allowed with just 166, earning Cechmanek and Esche a share of the

William M. Jennings Trophy The William M. Jennings Trophy is an annual National Hockey League (NHL) award given to "the goaltender(s) having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it ... based on regular-season play." From 1946 until ...

with

Martin Brodeur Martin Pierre Brodeur (; born May 6, 1972) is a Canadian–American former professional ice hockey goaltender and current team executive. He played 22 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), 21 of them for the New Jersey Devils, with whom ...

. Philadelphia also boasted the league's best road record (24–10–5–2).

Jeremy Roenick Jeremy Shaffer Roenick ( ; born January 17, 1970) is an American former professional ice hockey player who played the majority of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 8th overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by the Chica ...

led the team in scoring for the second straight season and reached two career milestones: his 600th assist and his 1,000th NHL game — the first of three Flyers to reach the latter mark that year. The others were defensemen Eric Desjardins and

Eric Weinrich Eric John Weinrich (born December 19, 1966) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, ...

. In what was regarded as a return to form after a disappointing 2001–02 season, Desjardins was the team's plus-minus leader and voted best defenseman for the seventh time.

Season standings

Playoffs

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Although the Flyers posted their highest point total (107) since 1985–86, they finished second in the Atlantic Division and entered the playoffs as the fourth seed, drawing a tough first-round matchup against the

. They held home-ice advantage and entered the series with a healthy lineup, as Simon Gagne and

returned during the final week of the regular season. In game one, the Flyers outplayed the Maple Leafs and held them to just 15 shots, but Toronto capitalized on their limited chances and won 5–3, with

Alexander Mogilny Alexander Gennadevich Mogilny (; born 18 February 1969) is a Russian former professional ice hockey player and the current president of Amur Khabarovsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was the first National Hockey League (NHL) drafte ...

sealing it with an empty-net goal — his third of the game. The Flyers dominated again in game two, this time winning 4–1 to tie the series. The series shifted to Toronto and the Flyers jumped out to a 2–0 lead early in game three, but the game wasn't decided until double overtime, when Tomas Kaberle scored to give Toronto a 4–3 win. Philadelphia was once again dominant in game four, limiting Toronto to only 10 shots in regulation time, but the game finally ended in the third overtime when

Mark Recchi Mark Louis Recchi (; born February 1, 1968) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played 22 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, and he played f ...

scored the winner at 13:54 to tie the series again. Back at home for game five,

scored two power play goals in a 4–1 win to give the Flyers a 3–2 series lead. Defenseman Eric Desjardins broke his right foot in the third period, sidelining him for 2–4 weeks. He was replaced in the lineup by rookie Jim Vandermeer, who made his playoff debut in game six. For the third time in the series, game six in Toronto was decided in overtime, Travis Green scoring the game-winner for the Maple Leafs in the second overtime period to force a game seven. Less than 24 hours later in Philadelphia, captain

Keith Primeau Keith David Primeau (born November 24, 1971) is a Canadian businessman and ice hockey coach. He is a former professional ice hockey centre who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, C ...

ended a 26-game playoff goal drought — his previous goal having ended the five-overtime marathon against Pittsburgh on May 4, 2000 — and helped lead the Flyers to a 6–1 blowout win and their first playoff series victory in three years.

' goal — credited as the game-winner — was his first career playoff goal, scored in his first game seven appearance. He would later earn the nickname "Mr. Game 7" for his prolific production in such games, eventually setting the NHL record for most game seven points and sharing the records for goals and wins.

Eastern Conference Semifinals

The Flyers faced the

Presidents' Trophy The Presidents' Trophy () is an award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) to the team that finishes with the most points (i.e., best overall record) during the regular season. If two teams are tied for the most points, then the Trophy ...

-winning

in the second round, a rematch of their five-game loss in the 2002 quarterfinals. Although Philadelphia managed more than the record-low two goals they scored in that series, Ottawa again stifled their offense — holding the Flyers to two goals or fewer in all six games. Philadelphia matched its 2002 goal total in the first period of game one alone, scoring on its first two shots against Senators goalie

Patrick Lalime Patrick Lalime (born July 7, 1974) is a Canadian ice hockey commentator and former professional ice hockey player who played twelve seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues, Chica ...

to take a 2–0 lead. But Ottawa answered with four straight goals to win 4–2. Following postgame criticism from head coach

, Roman Cechmanek rebounded in game two with a 33-save shutout in a 2–0 victory to even the series. The series moved to Philadelphia for game three. The Flyers held a 2–1 lead entering the third period, but Ottawa tied the game in the opening minute and won in overtime on

Wade Redden Wade Redden (born June 12, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and a development coach of the Ottawa Senators, with whom he spent the majority of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL), which lasted from 1996 to 201 ...

's goal at 6:43. Cechmanek responded again in game four, stopping all 28 shots he faced in a 1–0 shutout, with Michal Handzus scoring the lone goal to tie the series 2–2. In game five, Ottawa capitalized on Cechmanek's struggles, scoring four goals on 16 shots and chasing him midway through the second period in a 5–2 win. With the series back in Philadelphia, the Senators struck early and often in game six, scoring the first four goals en route to a 5–1 victory to clinch the series. Cechmanek's inconsistency was a major factor in the Flyers' elimination. While he posted shutouts in games two and four, his performances in games one, five, and six drew heavy criticism. He allowed nine goals in the final two games — both decisive losses that ended Philadelphia's season. A week later, general manager Bob Clarke indicated that both the team and Cechmanek had agreed it was time to move on. He was traded to the

three weeks after the deciding game, ending a three-year tenure in Philadelphia during which he ranked second in the NHL in goals-against average (1.96) and save percentage (.923), and third in shutouts (20).

Schedule and results

Preseason

, - , 1 , , September 19 , , 4–1 , , align="left", @

Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...

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, , 2–3–0 , , L , - , 6 , , September 27 , , 5–1 , , align="left", @

Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...

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Regular season

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Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The ...

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Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...

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, , Cechmanek , , 2–0–2–0 , , 6 , , , - , 5 , , October 19 , , 3–1 , , align="left",

, , Esche , , 3–0–2–0 , , 8 , , , - , 6 , , October 22 , , 1–2 , , align="left", @

Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...

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, , Esche , , 7–1–2–0 , , 16 , , , - , - , 11 , , November 2 , , 2–1 , , align="left",

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Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...

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Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...

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, , Cechmanek , , 10–4–6–0 , , 26 , , , - , 21 , , November 27 , , 2–7 , , align="left", @

Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh. The Penguins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), E ...

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, , Esche , , 10–6–6–0 , , 26 , , , - , 23 , , November 30 , , 2–1 OT , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 11–6–6–0 , , 28 , , , - , - , 24 , , December 2 , , 0–1 OT , , align="left",

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, , Cechmanek , , 12–6–6–1 , , 31 , , , - , 26 , , December 7 , , 1–3 , , align="left",

St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis. The Blues compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

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, , Esche , , 13–7–6–1 , , 33 , , , - , 28 , , December 12 , , 2–1 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 14–7–6–1 , , 35 , , , - , 29 , , December 14 , , 2–0 , , align="left",

, , Esche , , 15–7–6–1 , , 37 , , , - , 30 , , December 17 , , 2–2 OT , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 15–7–7–1 , , 38 , , , - , 31 , , December 18 , , 3–1 , , align="left", @

Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...

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, , Cechmanek , , 16–8–7–1 , , 40 , , , - , 33 , , December 23 , , 2–2 OT , , align="left", @

, , Esche , , 16–8–8–1 , , 41 , , , - , 34 , , December 27 , , 2–1 OT , , align="left", @

Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche (colloquially known as the Avs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver. The Avalanche compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Con ...

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, , Esche , , 17–9–8–1 , , 43 , , , - , 36 , , December 30 , , 1–2 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 17–10–8–1 , , 43 , , , - , - , 37 , , January 2 , , 4–1 , , align="left", @

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Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Mighty may refer to: Businesses *Mighty Audio, an American company known for its product ''Mighty'', a portable audio player *Mighty Animation, an animation studio based in Guadalajara, Mexico Films *''The Mighty'', a 1998 comedy–drama * ''The ...

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, , Cechmanek , , 20–10–8–1 , , 49 , , , - , 40 , , January 7 , , 3–2 , , align="left",

, , Esche , , 21–10–8–1 , , 51 , , , - , 41 , , January 9 , , 4–0 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 22–10–8–1 , , 53 , , , - , 42 , , January 11 , , 3–2 , , align="left",

Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...

, , Cechmanek , , 23–10–8–1 , , 55 , , , - , 43 , , January 13 , , 4–7 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 23–11–8–1 , , 55 , , , - , 44 , , January 16 , , 4–1 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 24–11–8–1 , , 57 , , , - , 45 , , January 18 , , 3–2 , , align="left",

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, , Cechmanek , , 26–11–8–1 , , 61 , , , - , 47 , , January 21 , , 3–1 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 27–11–8–1 , , 63 , , , - , 48 , , January 24 , , 1–3 , , align="left",

, , Esche , , 27–12–8–1 , , 63 , , , - , 49 , , January 25 , , 0–1 OT , , align="left", @

, , Esche , , 27–12–8–2 , , 64 , , , - , 50 , , January 28 , , 0–3 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 27–13–8–2 , , 64 , , , - , 51 , , January 30 , , 1–5 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 27–14–8–2 , , 64 , , , - , - , 52 , , February 4 , , 2–1 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 28–14–8–2 , , 66 , , , - , 53 , , February 6 , , 2–2 OT , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 28–14–9–2 , , 67 , , , - , 54 , , February 8 , , 2–1 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 29–14–9–2 , , 69 , , , - , 55 , , February 10 , , 0–1 , , align="left",

Minnesota Wild The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Wild compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confer ...

, , Cechmanek , , 29–15–9–2 , , 69 , , , - , 56 , , February 12 , , 0–2 , , align="left", @

, , Esche , , 29–16–9–2 , , 69 , , , - , 57 , , February 13 , , 4–3 OT , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 30–16–9–2 , , 71 , , , - , 58 , , February 15 , , 2–2 OT , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 30–16–10–2 , , 72 , , , - , 59 , , February 18 , , 2–2 OT , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 30–16–11–2 , , 73 , , , - , 60 , , February 20 , , 5–0 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 31–16–11–2 , , 75 , , , - , 61 , , February 22 , , 2–4 , , align="left",

, , Esche , , 31–17–11–2 , , 75 , , , - , 62 , , February 25 , , 2–0 , , align="left", @

Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...

, , Cechmanek , , 32–17–11–2 , , 77 , , , - , 63 , , February 27 , , 5–2 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 33–17–11–2 , , 79 , , , - , - , 64 , , March 1 , , 3–2 OT , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 34–17–11–2 , , 81 , , , - , 65 , , March 4 , , 3–0 , , align="left",

Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. The Canucks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conferenc ...

, , Cechmanek , , 35–17–11–2 , , 83 , , , - , 66 , , March 7 , , 1–5 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 35–18–11–2 , , 83 , , , - , 67 , , March 8 , , 1–2 OT , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 35–18–11–3 , , 84 , , , - , 68 , , March 10 , , 1–2 OT , , align="left", @

, , Esche , , 35–18–11–4 , , 85 , , , - , 69 , , March 13 , , 5–3 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 36–18–11–4 , , 87 , , , - , 70 , , March 15 , , 4–1 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 37–18–11–4 , , 89 , , , - , 71 , , March 17 , , 4–2 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 38–18–11–4 , , 91 , , , - , 72 , , March 18 , , 2–5 , , align="left", @

, , Esche , , 38–19–11–4 , , 91 , , , - , 73 , , March 20 , , 4–2 , , align="left",

, , Esche , , 39–19–11–4 , , 93 , , , - , 74 , , March 22 , , 1–2 , , align="left",

, , Esche , , 39–20–11–4 , , 93 , , , - , 75 , , March 24 , , 6–2 , , align="left",

, , Esche , , 40–20–11–4 , , 95 , , , - , 76 , , March 25 , , 1–1 OT , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 40–20–12–4 , , 96 , , , - , 77 , , March 27 , , 2–2 OT , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 40–20–13–4 , , 97 , , , - , 78 , , March 29 , , 3–0 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 41–20–13–4 , , 99 , , , - , 79 , , March 31 , , 6–1 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 42–20–13–4 , , 101 , , , - , - , 80 , , April 1 , , 4–0 , , align="left",

Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets (often simply referred to as the Jackets) are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern C ...

, , Cechmanek , , 43–20–13–4 , , 103 , , , - , 81 , , April 4 , , 4–1 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 44–20–13–4 , , 105 , , , - , 82 , , April 6 , , 6–2 , , align="left", @

, , Esche , , 45–20–13–4 , , 107 , , , - , - , ''Legend'':

Playoffs

, - , 1 , , April 9 , , 3–5 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 18,937 , , Maple Leafs lead 1–0 , , , - , 2 , , April 11 , , 4–1 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 19,597 , , Series tied 1–1 , , , - , 3 , , April 14 , , 3–4 2OT , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 19,533 , , Maple Leafs lead 2–1 , , , - , 4 , , April 16 , , 3–2 3OT , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 19,574 , , Series tied 2–2 , , , - , 5 , , April 19 , , 4–1 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 19,828 , , Flyers lead 3–2 , , , - , 6 , , April 21 , , 1–2 2OT , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 19,573 , , Series tied 3–3 , , , - , 7 , , April 22 , , 6–1 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 19,870 , , Flyers win 4–3 , , , - , - , 1 , , April 25 , , 2–4 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 18,197 , , Senators lead 1–0 , , , - , 2 , , April 27 , , 2–0 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 18,500 , , Series tied 1–1 , , , - , 3 , , April 29 , , 2–3 OT , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 19,680 , , Senators lead 2–1 , , , - , 4 , , May 1 , , 1–0 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 19,842 , , Series tied 2–2 , , , - , 5 , , May 3 , , 2–5 , , align="left", @

, , Cechmanek , , 18,500 , , Senators lead 3–2 , , , - , 6 , , May 5 , , 1–5 , , align="left",

, , Cechmanek , , 19,454 , , Senators win 4–2 , , , - , - , ''Legend'':

Player statistics

Scoring

* ''Position abbreviations: C = Center; D =

Defense Defense or defence may refer to: Tactical, martial, and political acts or groups * Defense (military), forces primarily intended for warfare * Civil defense, the organizing of civilians to deal with emergencies or enemy attacks * Defense industr ...

; G =

Goaltender In ice hockey, the goaltender (commonly referred to as goalie or netminder) is the player responsible for preventing the hockey puck from entering their own team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring. The goaltender mostly plays ...

; LW =

Left wing Left-wing politics describes the range of political ideologies that support and seek to achieve social equality and egalitarianism, often in opposition to social hierarchy either as a whole or of certain social hierarchies. Left-wing politic ...

; RW =

Right wing Right-wing politics is the range of Ideology#Political ideologies, political ideologies that view certain social orders and Social stratification, hierarchies as inevitable, natural, normal, or desirable, typically supporting this position b ...

'' * '' = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Flyers only.'' * '' = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Flyers only.''

Goaltending

Awards and records

Awards

Records

Several team records were set during the 2002–03 season. On October 15,

scored four goals against the

, tying the franchise record for most goals in a regular season game. Eleven days later, on October 26, the Flyers set a team record for the fastest two goals from the start of a game (31 seconds), which also tied the mark for fastest two goals from the start of any period. Goaltender Roman Cechmanek finished the regular season with a 1.83 goals-against average, setting a new team record. In the playoffs, during game four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the

, the Flyers set franchise records for most shots on goal in a game (75) and most shots in a single overtime period (15). The series featured three overtime games, setting a team record for the most in a single playoff series — a mark later tied during the second round of the

2020 Stanley Cup playoffs The 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs was the playoff tournament of the National Hockey League (NHL) for the 2019–20 season. The playoffs began on August 1, 2020, and concluded on September 28, 2020, with the Tampa Bay Lightning winning their second ...

against the

Milestones

Transactions

The Flyers were involved in the following transactions from June 14, 2002, the day after the deciding game of the

2002 Stanley Cup Finals The 2002 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2001–02 season, and the culmination of the 2002 Stanley Cup playoffs. It was contested by the Western Conference champion Detroit Red Wings and t ...

, through June 9, 2003, the day of the deciding game of the

2003 Stanley Cup Finals The 2003 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2002–03 season, and the culmination of the 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs. The second-seeded Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Devils defeated th ...

Trades

Players acquired

Players lost

Signings

Draft picks

Philadelphia's picks at the 2002 NHL entry draft, which was held at the

Air Canada Centre Scotiabank Arena (SBA), formerly known as Air Canada Centre (ACC), is a multi-purposed arena located on Bay Street in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the home of the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and t ...

Toronto, Ontario Toronto ( , locally pronounced or ) is the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, most populous city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. With a p ...

, on June 22–23, 2002. The Flyers traded their original first, 26th overall, second, 59th overall, and third-round picks, 92nd overall, and

Maxime Ouellet Maxime Ouellet (born June 17, 1981) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals and Vancouver Canucks from 2000 to 2006. He also played se ...

to the

for

on March 19, 2002. They also traded the Canucks' sixth-round pick, 184th overall, and their seventh-round pick, 225th overall, to the

for the Blue Jackets' 2003 fifth-round pick on June 23, 2002, and their eighth-round pick, 256th overall, to the Carolina Hurricanes for Paul Ranheim on May 31, 2000.

Farm teams

The Flyers were affiliated with the

Philadelphia Phantoms The Philadelphia Phantoms were a professional ice hockey team that played in the American Hockey League (AHL) from 1996 to 2009. The club was based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and played most of its home games at the Spectrum (arena), Spectrum ...

of the

American Hockey League The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary developmental league of the National Hockey League (NHL). The league comprises 32 teams, with 26 in the United States and 6 in Cana ...

and the

Trenton Titans The Trenton Titans were a professional minor league ice hockey team that played in the ECHL. The team last played in the Atlantic Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. The Titans played their home games at the Sun National Bank Center in Tren ...

of the

ECHL The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a minor professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams across the United States and Canada. Competitively, it is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL). The ...

. The Phantoms missed the Calder Cup playoffs for the first time in their seven year existence. Trenton made the Kelly Cup playoffs but were swept in the first round by the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies.

Notes

References

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:2002-03 Philadelphia Flyers season

Phil Phil may refer to: * Phil (given name), a shortened version of masculine and feminine names * Phill, a given name also spelled "Phil" * Phil, Kentucky, United States * Phil (film), ''Phil'' (film), a 2019 film * -phil-, a lexical fragment, used as ...

Philadelphia Flyers seasons

Philadelphia Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...

2002 in Philadelphia 2003 in Philadelphia