The 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 21st season in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Flyers stumbled in 1987–88, finishing third in the Patrick Division (after a first-place finish the previous three years). Ron Hextall scored a goal on December 8 at the Spectrum against Boston and became the first goaltender to shoot the puck into the opposing team's net. In their first round playoff series with the Washington, the Flyers blew a 3–1 series lead as Washington forced a Game 7. They then blew a 3–0 lead in Game 7 as Washington won 5-4, in overtime. It was because of this playoff collapse that head coach Mike Keenan was fired. Paul Holmgren was named Keenan's replacement, the first time a former Flyer was named the club's head coach.