but the real question is, do you still think amac is worth his contract and a legit top four defenseman?
- Isles_since_6

99% of Flyers fans want MacDonald off the team yesterday.
How many Islanders fans want him back? If you had to estimate.

I wouldn't use today's game as an example. If you look at how they shut out the rangers, and games prior to that, they've actually played quite well defensively. The pk is an issue, as has been Johnson in net.

Halak's stats are pretty solid.
- Isles_since_6

kulemin looked like malkin today

99% of Flyers fans want MacDonald off the team yesterday.
How many Islanders fans want him back? If you had to estimate.
- PLindbergh31

0.0% roughly

I wouldn't use today's game as an example. If you look at how they shut out the rangers, and games prior to that, they've actually played quite well defensively. The pk is an issue, as has been Johnson in net.

Halak's stats are pretty solid.
- Isles_since_6

Flyers aren't a good defensive team, but the Isles have given up more goals at 5 on 5 then the Flyers have. The Isles are not a good defensive team. If they're going to make a playoff run, they better get a lot better defensively, or get great goaltending.

No question. Look at the little things the Flyers made mistakes on today that led to goals. Bad angle taken by a defenseman for goal 1. 2 failed attempts at a clear along the wall leading to a goal. Getting a shot blocked at the point leading to a breakaway goal. If all 4 PK players are going to one side of the ice, better come up with the puck, because at least one of the opposition is behind you around the net. The puzzling part is that this team has made these kinds of mistakes all season long. Just shoring up that crap, would make them a much better team. Goaltending also sucked today. If Mason was in, they probably would've still lost, but it would've been closer.
- MJL

Your initial comments are spot on.....it says more about the current mix of players and their inability to get these issues cleaned up at the half way point of the season!!!!! By now good teams have bought in to what's expected of them....the Flyers aren't a good team

Hexy says he has a plan. He expected better this season. I did too, not playoff, but better. We'll see what he does. So far he's stuck with the plan he laid out in the summer
- Jsaquella

I'm not delusional -- been at this long enough to know that all teams miss, and sometimes you miss when you least expect it.

What would drive me bat-poop insane is missing without consequence or purpose. That doesn't mean you have to give the coach the shiv in a back-room or purge the entire roster.

But you do have to move some guys off the roster, and someone has some 'splaining to do about that PK. And those answers better be damn good

Sanheim emergency recall imminent.
- Tomahawk

The Phantoms don't play until Wednesday

The Phantoms don't play until Wednesday
- MJL

To the Flyers I mean, a la Giroux in '08.

(was just a joke anyway)

Your initial comments are spot on.....it says more about the current mix of players and their inability to get these issues cleaned up at the half way point of the season!!!!! By now good teams have bought in to what's expected of them....the Flyers aren't a good team
- landros 2

I agree they aren't a good team. That doesn't mean that they couldn't be, and I agree that there should be some sign of those issues being cleaned up by now.

I would expect one or two moves as the deadline approaches. They probably won't be blockbusters, but they really don't need to be. If each deal Hexy makes leaves the Flyers in a slightly better spot than they were before, that will be fine.

Good luck preaching patience to a fanbase that hasnt seen the Flyers hoist the Cup in 40 years, but thats the reality of the situation. This is going to take patience.

I will however, continue to make snarky, sarcastic, and or downright mean comments as the mood suits me.
- Doc_Sarcasm

Hexy came in with the patience mantra and everyone from the suits on down to the fan base are seemingly on board.

I'm definitely OK with taking baby steps as long as there is a concrete plan in place and they don't waiver from it.

99% of Flyers fans want MacDonald off the team yesterday.
How many Islanders fans want him back? If you had to estimate.
- PLindbergh31

I've seen one Isles poster say he wanted amac on the team.

that said, we have our new whipping boy in Brian Strait, who has been overall, god awful in the games he has played. Visnovsky not staying healthy is a concern.

To the Flyers I mean, a la Giroux in '08.
- Tomahawk

Yes, I know to the Flyers. But with every Phantom that's signed to a NHL contract available for call up, I don't think they'd qualify for a emergency junior call up. I could be wrong, but that's how I think it works.

kulemin looked like malkin today
- Marc D

that's certainly not normal lol, he's been fantastic defensively and his effort level is tops on the team, but offensively he's a third line guy.

Would anybody else find it hypocritical if Hextall DIDN'T do anything at the trade deadline? I'm not saying go gang busters but to be down in the locker room tearing the team a new one awhile ago but standing idle wouldn't jive well with me.

I agree with those who say you don't make a move just for the sake of making one. But hell, if there is any truth to the rumor of the Kings interest in Grossmann, make the deal

Flyers aren't a good defensive team, but the Isles have given up more goals at 5 on 5 then the Flyers have. The Isles are not a good defensive team. If they're going to make a playoff run, they better get a lot better defensively, or get great goaltending.
- MJL

what, you're using stats instead of the "eye test"?

Sanheim emergency recall imminent.
- Tomahawk

He's been out with an upper body injury sir

I'm not delusional -- been at this long enough to know that all teams miss, and sometimes you miss when you least expect it.

What would drive me bat-poop insane is missing without consequence or purpose. That doesn't mean you have to give the coach the shiv in a back-room or purge the entire roster.

But you do have to move some guys off the roster, and someone has some 'splaining to do about that PK. And those answers better be damn good
- AllInForFlyers

Changes are made even when a team has a good season. So I think there is going to be some change.

Absolutely. Solid defenseman. Slightly overpaid, but that's the game you have to play in free agency.
- MJL

He has not been solid very much this year at all....one step forward two steps back...he is just so inconsistent ...it's frustrating...I thought he played very good when the deal was made...but those efforts are distant memory.

I've seen one Isles poster say he wanted amac on the team.

that said, we have our new whipping boy in Brian Strait, who has been overall, god awful in the games he has played. Visnovsky not staying healthy is a concern.
- Isles_since_6

But if everyone is healthy isn't Strait the Islanders 7th dman? The Flyers have made a huge financial commitment to MacDonald, and gave up draft picks for the right to overpay him. He's provided replacement level performance.

what, you're using stats instead of the "eye test"?
- Isles_since_6

Haven't watched enough Isles games. Like you said, don't judge by today's game.

Hexy says he has a plan. He expected better this season. I did too, not playoff, but better. We'll see what he does. So far he's stuck with the plan he laid out in the summer
- Jsaquella

Would be interesting to see if they take Jake off G's wing now that they are almost certainly out of the playoff picture. See how he handles himself on another line before forking over big time money.

He's been out with an upper body injury sir
- ob18

Yes, I know to the Flyers. But with every Phantom that's signed to a NHL contract available for call up, I don't think they'd qualify for a emergency junior call up. I could be wrong, but that's how I think it works.
- MJL

That's usually only available if they have too many injuries at both levels that a dip into the junior prospects they have would be needed.

I could be wrong........

Would anybody else find it hypocritical if Hextall DIDN'T do anything at the trade deadline? I'm not saying go gang busters but to be down in the locker room tearing the team a new one awhile ago but standing idle wouldn't jive well with me.

I agree with those who say you don't make a move just for the sake of making one. But hell, if there is any truth to the rumor of the Kings interest in Grossmann, make the deal
- MatveiDmitrii

Not at all, but I don't expect a lot to happen at the deadline involving the Flyers.

- Tomahawk

He missed games on Saturday & Sunday..........asked around and all I'm getting is the team is putting out the usual day to day with an upper body injury.