Head coach John Tortorella says Flyers hit 'rock bottom' with loss to Canadiens

The Philadelphia Flyers are having a tough time right now — and their playoff hopes are fading fast.

On an eight-game losing streak that was extended Tuesday night by a tough 9-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, head coach John Tortorella acknowledged his team's struggles.

"This is rock bottom, tonight, for us," Tortorella told reporters post-game. "Hate to see us, at this time of year, be playing this way after all the good minutes we've put in throughout the year."

The Flyers are 1-6-3 over their last 10 games, and as the standings currently sit, are set to miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season. However, they are just two points behind the Washington Capitals, who currently occupy the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Two points they could have grabbed against a lowly Montreal team.

When asked if the Flyers' play of late is the result of having an empty tank, Tortorella defended his team and shouldered some of the blame.

"This time of year, all teams are tired," the coach said. "We're not as gifted as some teams. We have a process that we're going through, we can't forget that, we're still building here. I appreciate all the work they've put in to put us in this spot to play these kinds of games, but we just have not been able to elevate our game. It's my responsibility to put them in that spot and try to get them to elevate the game — have not done it."

He added, "One thing great about this league — and we're on the wrong side of it — is it's unmerciful. When they get you, it's unmerciful. And I love that about the league, we just happen to be on the wrong side of it right now."

The Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins are also trailing the Capitals, but ahead of the Flyers by one point. The three teams also each have an extra game in hand compared to the Flyers.

Their chances are slim, but they still exist, for now.