THERE MIGHT BE no greater insult in sports than describing a team as an underachiever.
Except, perhaps, calling it an overachiever.
Underachievers suggests there is a ceiling above.
Overachievers suggests the ceiling lies below.
When the NHL season began, few saw the Flyers as a playoff-caliber team, and the betting line reflected that. In June, most Las Vegas sportsbooks had their chances to win a Stanley Cup set at or around 66-to-1, and by the start of the season, those odds had grown to 75-to-1 at most books.
That the Flyers entered Wednesday night only five points from a playoff spot, with 34 games to play and games in hand on teams above them is impressive.