Is the Flyers season a success if they miss the playoffs?

The Philadelphia Flyers season got off to a strong start and many were claiming their season a success. However, that was when, it appeared that the Flyers were easily going to make the playoffs. However, is the Flyers season a success if they miss the playoffs?

Right before the all-star break, the Flyers went on a 5-game losing streak and haven't really been the same team since. Even, with their struggles they have yet to relinquish a playoff spot. Which demonstrates the great start they got off too. This great start shocked most as prior to the season; Flyers general manger Danny Briere openly stated that the Flyers are in a rebuild. Danny Briere made it clear that the Flyers will not trade young talent or draft picks. While in the middle of a playoff chase, the Flyers traded one of their top defensemen in Sean Walker for draft picks. Which clearly makes it harder for a team to compete for the playoffs, when you take away their best players, however, to most this was not a Stanley Cup contender as of yet.


Then you look at the off the ice issues, the Flyers lose their starting goaltender for the year, then Sam Ersson plays so much hockey that even John Tortorella stated he played too much; however, Flyers had no reliable back up after Ersson. Then came a slew of injuries to their defenseman so the number 1 penalty kill became not so great. These may seem like excuses; however, this is a lot for a team that is not supposed to compete to overcome. If the Flyers make the playoffs, the season is clearly a success. You can make an argument if they miss the playoffs, it's still a success, for a team that are supposed to be basement dwellers, competing for the playoffs this late into the year is successful.

Source: Flyers Nation

If the Flyers Fail to Make the Playoffs, How Would You Rank the Season in Totality?