The 1980–81 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Flyers' 14th season in the National Hockey League (NHL). After finishing second in the Patrick Division, the Flyers lost in the quarterfinals to the Calgary Flames in seven games.

Regular season

Bobby Clarke wore the number 16 throughout his entire NHL career except for two games during the 1980–81 season. Prior to a road game on February 27, 1981, Clarke's jersey was stolen. Clarke wore the only other jersey available, number 36, in the next two games. A month later, Clarke hit a personal milestone in memorable fashion. On March 19 during a game against the Boston Bruins, a Reggie Leach slapshot struck Clarke. After leaving the ice, he re-appeared moments later stitched up and with his jersey covered in blood. 31 seconds into the third period Clarke beat Bruins goalie Marco Baron for his 19th goal of the season and his 1,000th career point.

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Playoffs

After a tough, five-game preliminary round series win against the Quebec Nordiques, the Flyers moved on to face the Calgary Flames in the quarterfinals. After falling behind 3 games to 1, they managed to force a Game 7 by winning the next two games. The Flyers lost Game 7, 4–1, at the Spectrum.

Schedule and results

Regular season

Playoffs

Player statistics

Scoring

Goaltending

Awards and records

Awards

Records

Among the team records set during the 1980–81 season was Bobby Clarke tying the team record for goals in a single period (3) on December 13. The team's 2,621 penalty minutes during the regular season is a franchise record. During their preliminary round series against the Quebec Nordiques, the two shorthanded goals scored during game two tied a team record. Seven seconds into game four Terry Murray scored the fastest goal from the start of a playoff game in team history. A number of team records were set or tied during game four of their quarterfinal series against the Calgary Flames, most notably setting a team record for most goals during a playoff game (9). Their five goals during the first period (5) is also tied for the team record. Ken Linseman tied team records for most assists in a playoff game (4) and period (3). Their 9–4 victory in the game ended a team record seven game playoff road losing streak dating back to May 17, 1980.

Milestones

Transactions

The Flyers were involved in the following transactions from May 25, 1980, the day after the deciding game of the 1980 Stanley Cup Finals, through May 21, 1981, the day of the deciding game of the 1981 Stanley Cup Finals.

Trades

Players acquired

Players lost

Signings

Draft picks

Philadelphia's picks at the 1980 NHL entry draft, which was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, on June 11, 1980.

Farm teams

The Flyers were affiliated with the Maine Mariners of the AHL and the Toledo Goaldiggers of the IHL.