I would suggest a little research on basic defensive zone coverages and systems.
- MJL

The left wing lock is a controlled forechecking system that was popularized by the Detroit Redwings in the late 1990’s. Before I get into the details of this system, it is important to note that there are a few variations of the Left Wing Lock. Off course, a coaching staff should modify any system they feel will better compliment the strengths of the team

Like using a winger

edit
The left wing moves back and acts as a third defenseman, protecting the left lane (either at the blue line or the top of the circles), and being aggressive and ready to pinch if the opposition uses the boards to chip or clear the puck away.

Forwards, usually, develop faster than Dmen. By 20-21, assuming they go forward in the 1st rounds of the next 3 drafts, I could see at least one and maybe 2 of those guys in the lineup by 20-21 along with some of Rubtsov, Laberge, Lindblom, Allison, Aube-Kubel, Marody and probably some others I'm forgetting and possibly some later round picks from the 17 and 18 drafts.

Honestly, if they're not a solid playoff team at the very least by 20-21, I'd have to question Hextall as GM.
- BiggE

20-21 is a long time

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Philadelphia’s Brandon Manning will have a hearing tomorrow morning for interference on Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel.

Suspension!
- PLindbergh31

How will we survive without Manning.

what it comes down to is Hextall and his scout have to be right on the kids they have drafted. their top two round picks have to be good. they have to find gems outside of the first two rounds. at least forwards typically don't take as long to develop as dmen so maybe those kids aren't as far out as we think. regardless next season I want to see Weal, laughton and Leier on the team out of camp and Lindblom at some point. as someone else said sink or swim. and PLEASE find Giroux a finisher
- nastyflyergirl

Forwards, usually, develop faster than Dmen. By 20-21, assuming they go forward in the 1st rounds of the next 3 drafts, I could see at least one and maybe 2 of those guys in the lineup by 20-21 along with some of Rubtsov, Laberge, Lindblom, Allison, Aube-Kubel, Marody and probably some others I'm forgetting and possibly some later round picks from the 17 and 18 drafts.

Honestly, if they're not a solid playoff team at the very least by 20-21, I'd have to question Hextall as GM.
- BiggE

I agree that we're going to have to wait a while for this team to get to the top, but things can change quickly in the NHL. Who knows, Konecny might take a major step next season and become a strong offensive player. Who knows what a player like Lindblom might do. I think things aren't looking real good right now, but I think there is still a lot to look forward to in the future.

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Philadelphia’s Brandon Manning will have a hearing tomorrow morning for interference on Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel.

Suspension!
- PLindbergh31

It's a conspiracy...A Flyer throws a hit this season, granted it was a textbook interference that should have been a penalty, and the league wants to punish him.

20-21 is a long time
- puckhead17

Yeah, but I think it's realistic. At best, I can't see them contending before 19-20 at the earliest unless they get incredibly lucky with the lottery and some of their draft picks.

The left wing lock is a controlled forechecking system that was popularized by the Detroit Redwings in the late 1990’s. Before I get into the details of this system, it is important to note that there are a few variations of the Left Wing Lock. Off course, a coaching staff should modify any system they feel will better compliment the strengths of the team

Like using a winger

edit
The left wing moves back and acts as a third defenseman, protecting the left lane (either at the blue line or the top of the circles), and being aggressive and ready to pinch if the opposition uses the boards to chip or clear the puck away.
- puckhead17

A true left wing lock uses a winger. It is a neutral zone checking and offensive forechecking scheme, forced to take advantage of the fact that most NHL defenseman are left handed. It is not a defensive zone coverage scheme.

I agree that we're going to have to wait a while for this team to get to the top, but things can change quickly in the NHL. Who knows, Konecny might take a major step next season and become a strong offensive player. Who knows what a player like Lindblom might do. I think things aren't looking real good right now, but I think there is still a lot to look forward to in the future.
- MJL

I also think there is a lot to look forward to in the future and I'm cool with Hextall's methodology. I just think it may take a little longer than some realize.

How will we survive without Manning.

- BiggE

With the Avalanche rolling into town Tuesday, at least the scoring drought will end for a night.

I would suggest a little research on basic defensive zone coverages and systems.
- MJL

No, I'm not a coach, (neither are you I assume), but you improvise when you have a skilled player who is struggling.
I don't think this coach, (you love), is doing that.

Ever hear of the left wing lock?
Detroit used it, collapsing a WINGER.
Again, your in here to tell everyone who's watched hockey for 40plus years they know nothing of what they are watching.
You have a talented high scoring center who's struggling, you don't improvise as a coach?
- puckhead17

basically you have two forwards on the forecheck and three guys back playing defense. my old coach had us play it from time to time when we were competing for nationals

A true left wing lock uses a winger. It is a neutral zone checking and offensive forechecking scheme, forced to take advantage of the fact that most NHL defenseman are left handed. It is not a defensive zone coverage scheme.
- MJL

OK no, its a trap, fine.
Keep collapsing Giroux as a 3rd defenseman and female dog, and blame him for the ineffectiveness of the team.
I do admit, he needs to play much better than he has, but I don't think Hack-stall is doing him any favors. You usually implement a system around the strength of the players you have, not the other way around.
Sometimes it works, not always.

I also think there is a lot to look forward to in the future and I'm cool with Hextall's methodology. I just think it may take a little longer than some realize.
- BiggE

I agree. Not that it's mirrored exactly, but I recall reading through the LA Kings threads when Lombardi was patiently building up the Kings. They wanted his head on a platter. I posted a few times that I think we would get to the same point with the Flyers where the fans would lose patience. It is going to take some time for sure. The Flyers have some major holes to fill. We also have to realize that most of us agree that the patient draft and develop strategy is the way to go, but it is not a guarantee.

The coach has him collapsing in the defensive zone, can you ever remember him on a breakaway?
- puckhead17

Sure. The one where he had a clear break and about 15 ft on Kevin Klein who ran him down and BODY checked him

Girouxs problems are all on him

OK no, its a trap, fine.
Keep collapsing Giroux as a 3rd defenseman and female dog, and blame him for the ineffectiveness of the team.
I do admit, he needs to play much better than he has, but I don't think Hack-stall is doing him any favors. You usually implement a system around the strength of the players you have, not the other way around.
Sometimes it works, not always.
- puckhead17

Giroux's struggles have zero to do with the systems used by Hakstol in my opinion.

basically you have two forwards on the forecheck and three guys back playing defense. my old coach had us play it from time to time when we were competing for nationals
- nastyflyergirl

Yes, and the center can forecheck.
When have you last seen Giroux on a breakaway?
How often do you see us employ a stretch pass to a winger, or anyone to keep the opposing defense honest?

Sure. The one where he had a clear break and about 15 ft on Kevin Klein who ran him down and BODY checked him

Girouxs problems are all on him
- Just5

Agreed

He has no jump in his skates anymore and he's become a total perimeter player. When was the last time you saw him physically knock an opposing player off the puck? He often looks like he's just coasting and going through the motions and if he's not hiding an injury, that is very worrisome.

Sure. The one where he had a clear break and about 15 ft on Kevin Klein who ran him down and BODY checked him

Girouxs problems are all on him
- Just5

I mentioned I don't think its all on the coach, yes he has to be better, but have they tried anything to alter it?

Agreed

He has no jump in his skates anymore and he's become a total perimeter player. When was the last time you saw him physically knock an opposing player off the puck? He often looks like he's just coasting and going through the motions and if he's not hiding an injury, that is very worrisome.
- BiggE

I saw flashes of the old Giroux in the Washington game. I'm still waiting to see the report on why Giroux was scratched last night. Did you see anything on that?

Voracek is 27, schenn 25, Couturier 23, Konecny 19, Simmonds 28. I wouldn't call any of them the wrong side of their prime
- nastyflyergirl

Most players hit their prime at 23-25. The real decline begins around 29-31.

I also get nervous because guys like Schenn and Simmonds have always been pretty dependent on PP scoring to boost their output. What if the PP struggles next year and Hak loses patience (as he does all the time)? Those guys could have their scoring numbers fall off a cliff.

IMO, I can't see Simmonds's or Schenn's numbers getting any better. They will either get worse or stay the same. In terms of maximizing them as assets, it would be best to trade them now rather than wait.

The Flyers could also take back some short term salary in the process because they likely won't be contending for a couple years anyway. That could help bring back an even better return.

I wouldn't worry though. The Flyers haven't really shown themselves to be proactive. They're mostly reactive. Hexy will likely trade some flotsam and get a better return than expected. He'll make his mid round picks and we'll head into next season saying the same thing as we have for 4 years: They aren't true contenders and I'll just be happy if they make the playoffs.

OK no, its a trap, fine.
Keep collapsing Giroux as a 3rd defenseman and female dog, and blame him for the ineffectiveness of the team.
I do admit, he needs to play much better than he has, but I don't think Hack-stall is doing him any favors. You usually implement a system around the strength of the players you have, not the other way around.
Sometimes it works, not always.
- puckhead17

Systems are over rated when it comes to a skilled players scoring. Giroux has plenty of time in the O zone, it's the fact that he doesn't seem to move or process the play as quick as he used to. He doesn't attack the net at all.....he's a total perimeter player....good solid d zone and neutral zone play leads to scoring chances. Giroux is also pressing big time, making plays that are killing him defensively....taking chances that he shouldn't take.....he's not the only one, but he stands out because of who he is.

I saw flashes of the old Giroux in the Washington game. I'm still waiting to see the report on why Giroux was scratched last night. Did you see anything on that?
- MJL

Giroux played last night.

Systems are over rated when it comes to a skilled players scoring. Giroux has plenty of time in the O zone, it's the fact that he doesn't seem to move or process the play as quick as he used to. He doesn't attack the net at all.....he's a total perimeter player....good solid d zone and neutral zone play leads to scoring chances. Giroux is also pressing big time, making plays that are killing him defensively....taking chances that he shouldn't take.....he's not the only one, but he stands out because of who he is.
- landros 2

Systems are over rated?

ok, he sucks big time, we should move him.......no wait, he's garbage with an $8 million a year tag, forget moving him unless we eat 1/2 the salary.
Maybe take the C away from him, and sit him next to Mason.

20-21 is the next goal, (it was 16-17), but it takes longer, so we suck it up.

Agreed

He has no jump in his skates anymore and he's become a total perimeter player. When was the last time you saw him physically knock an opposing player off the puck? He often looks like he's just coasting and going through the motions and if he's not hiding an injury, that is very worrisome.
- BiggE

He tried his hardest to get the puck from Lars Eller against the wall and couldnt..who was effectively shielding it while taking everything giroux had.

He tried his hardest to not get caught by Kevin Klein on a clean break with a 15 ft start, and got run down and bodied off the puck

This is the '16-17 giroux and no coaching is going to polish up this turd. I say keep him and hope he rebounds to what he was even 2 years ago