The time to do that was 3 or 4 years ago. That's how you do a proper and effective rebuild.Toronto will be the team to beat over the next 5 years or so because they did the rebuild right. Burn it down all the way and lay a new foundation. Trying to compete while you are rebuilding leads to years of frustration and mediocrity... My fear is we will be right back at ground zero in 5 years with a new GM.

Watching the game last night ..
After the 2nd goal off the draw I thought Hak would call the TO and chew A$$ to wake the guys up and regain some focus. I think most everyone was expecting that and when he didn't it just got rolling worse and worse.

Took one period at home for them to be booed off the ice. Embarrassing.

On to the next coach, and GM. The beat goes on.

On the first point, I wouldn't do it if it was a choice of either or. Voracek was one of the few players who played well last night.

I normally support Hakstol but last night he did nothing to try and stem the tide. Down 4-0 in the first, not likely to win the game. Perfect opportunity to get Pickard some game action with the team. Pickard should have started the 2nd period. Timeout should've been called after the two goal SJ outburst.
- MJL

Really? I didn't think he was that great last night. Maybe it's I expect a little more from him since he is paid what he is. I feel sometimes he looks good but when you really watch he doesn't do much. Like almost smoke and mirrors. you think he played well but really it was a lot of flash that didn't result anywhere.

Agree with thinking about the timeout after the 2nd SJ goal. But I guess he might be hesitant with now needing one for a challenge later on. I think any other time Pickard would have played the 2nd but with it being opening night and the Flyers were getting chances, I think he was hoping they would turn the tide and wanted to back Elliott. Just my thought

My biggest gripe with Hak is game management. No timeout, no goalie switch, I just don’t get it. Terrible D zone play, huge gaps between forwards and D. They looked like mites on ice at times out there. To go from how they played in Vegas to this horror show in less than a week is troubling to say the least.

Got to discuss this thought with two folks who were at the game...and they agreed.

Only the 3rd and fourth lines made an effort to back check. Only the 4th line made an effort to maintain gap control. G and Voracek both simply stopped skating on back checks ...

You put the best defense you can imagine behind that kind of effort from the forwards and you are in trouble. Add to that not hitting the net or worse, not shooting in the first place when you have chances. Had the Flyers buried either of the chances they had in the opening 3 minutes that would have been a markedly different game.

I don't blame Hakstol for not using his TO in the first 4 minutes of the game. I don't blame him for not taking out Elliot. IF you are not willing to suck it up and work for your goalie why should the coach give you the out and put in the back up.

This has been a flawed team for years when it comes to certain aspects of the game. Those flaws are part of G and Voracek's games. It just seems like at times they loose interest in what it takes to win and when they do the entire team goes sideways.

this is an imposter

NOT THE REAL RIPPED

Giroux has always been a guy who loves the spotlight when things are good, but when things go wrong cannot be found, don't even get started on Voracek. No leadership on the back line either. A team needs a leader on the backline, Doughty, Keith, Burns, Chara (in his heyday) type. The Flyers just don't have that. Ive heard for years about all this blueline talent. 8 goals?? ouch. Im sure youre in store for a story about a "closed door" meeting...ugh...
- RippedFuel

NOT THE REAL RIPPED

Turned it off after the "knowledgeable" fans gave Elliott the Bronx cheer when we made a save after the 4th goal. He was the least of their problems last night.

That said, as bad as it was, it was one game early in the season. They all matter the same in the end, but it's just one game. Move on, come out hard tonight, and move on.

40 saves..wow

48 shots....wtf?

The only thing I felt for Elliott tonight was bad. He needs to stop that first goal regardless of whether or not it was a 2 on 1. As for the second, he left a bad rebound, but to be fair the shot was a changeup and crossed up his timing slightly. No back coverage on Pavelski who got a gift.

The rest of the game was up to the leadership group and the coach to right the ship. Neither did anything.

It was inexcusable that Hakstol left him in there to wilt on the vine. I kept thinking about the Roy debacle in Montreal. Especially after goal 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What was also inexcusable was how this team responded.

At least Ghost recognized that they hung their goalie out to dry. They allowed Moose to take all the heat, all the boos, all the jeers when he made one of his 40 saves. The game could have been 15-2. That is how bad it was.

One of the most pathetic efforts and results I have ever seen as a fan of this team.

40 saves..wow

48 shots....wtf?

The only thing I felt for Elliott tonight was bad. He needs to stop that first goal regardless of whether or not it was a 2 on 1. As for the second, he left a bad rebound, but to be fair the shot was a changeup and crossed up his timing slightly. No back coverage on Pavelski who got a gift.

The rest of the game was up to the leadership group and the coach to right the ship. Neither did anything.

It was inexcusable that Hakstol left him in there to wilt on the vine. I kept thinking about the Roy debacle in Montreal. Especially after goal 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What was also inexcusable was how this team responded.

At least Ghost recognized that they hung their goalie out to dry. They allowed Moose to take all the heat, all the boos, all the jeers when he made one of his 40 saves. The game could have been 15-2. That is how bad it was.

One of the most pathetic efforts and results I have ever seen as a fan of this team.
- MBFlyerfan

Get used to it. Because nothing is changing anytime soon. At least they have a trendy mascot to distract from the poop product on the ice.

I usually don't like to criticize the coach, but he wanted to leave Elliott in there to battle back and then 1 goal later it was too late to pull him? Deer in the headlights kind of reasoning.

Yesterday is gone. They sucked.
Was it just a dud, or was it an early sign of trouble?

How they play tonight is very important toward answering that question.

Carry on dissecting everything.

And please, for the love of Gritty, ignore those who should be ignored. It will make for a much less grumpy day here. Thank you.

Get used to it. Because nothing is changing anytime soon. At least they have a trendy mascot to distract from the poop product on the ice.
- PLindbergh31

I look forward to not having to read your idiotic posts a few weeks from now when they are winning

Get used to it. Because nothing is changing anytime soon. At least they have a trendy mascot to distract from the poop product on the ice.
- PLindbergh31

I look forward to not having to read your idiotic posts a few weeks from now when they are winning
- ajw12

Just think when they win the Cup I will vanish into thin air. So figure in the next quarter century. How bout them apples Waldo?

My biggest gripe with Hak is game management. No timeout, no goalie switch, I just don’t get it. Terrible D zone play, huge gaps between forwards and D. They looked like mites on ice at times out there. To go from how they played in Vegas to this horror show in less than a week is troubling to say the least.
- BiggE

I know a lot of people disagree, but one of my things with Hak is the utter lack of emotion. They give up 4 goals in the first, and they pan to him, and he just has that blank stare on his face.

I'm not saying you need to be Mike Keenan or Tortarella, but something. Don't just "Ho hum, we gave up 4 goals, keep plugging away guys." When they need to be ripped into, rip into them. If you only do it when it's really necessary, it carries much more weight.

But no, standing there cool, calm, and collected as your team gets obliterated in its home opener is the way to go.

Yesterday is gone. They sucked.
Was it just a dud, or was it an early sign of trouble?

How they play tonight is very important toward answering that question.

Carry on dissecting everything.

And please, for the love of Gritty, ignore those who should be ignored. It will make for a much less grumpy day here. Thank you.
- Scoob

One change I would like to see a some more size and thump. Twarynski or Aube-Kubel over Weal. Also I think MacDonald is still not close to 100 percent and think you should just play Myers.

One change I would like to see a some more size and thump. Twarynski or Aube-Kubel over Weal. Also I think MacDonald is still not close to 100 percent and think you should just play Myers.
- J35Bacher

I don't think anyone is exempt from criticism last night, but man oh man AMac looks completely lost. It's just bad read after bad read. Either that, or he just physically can't get to where he needs to be. And I know some will say it's overblown, but after the second goal, defending an in-zone 2-on-2, he kept retreating until he was about 5 feet from the crease and just let the dude walk in.

But, playing Myers over AMac (or anyone) last night wouldn't have made a difference.

One change I would like to see a some more size and thump. Twarynski or Aube-Kubel over Weal. Also I think MacDonald is still not close to 100 percent and think you should just play Myers.
- J35Bacher

Anyone over Weal is fine with me.
I agree about MacDonald. He seems nowhere near 100%.

I know a lot of people disagree, but one of my things with Hak is the utter lack of emotion. They give up 4 goals in the first, and they pan to him, and he just has that blank stare on his face.

I'm not saying you need to be Mike Keenan or Tortarella, but something. Don't just "Ho hum, we gave up 4 goals, keep plugging away guys." When they need to be ripped into, rip into them. If you only do it when it's really necessary, it carries much more weight.

But no, standing there cool, calm, and collected as your team gets obliterated in its home opener is the way to go.
- jmatchett383

This is one thing that people love to talk about and have no clue. Plenty of players have said he has emotion in the locker room between periods and behind the scenes. He was also animated on the road during the Colorado game.

I don't need to see the coach red faced. Where was the leadership of Giroux, Simmonds, Voracek last night?

Is Hakstol perfect. No. Last night was an embarrassment. I hope they pound the poop out of the Sens tonight.

Anyone over Weal is fine with me.
I agree about MacDonald. He seems nowhere near 100%.
- Scoob

I don't think anyone is exempt from criticism last night, but man oh man AMac looks completely lost. It's just bad read after bad read. Either that, or he just physically can't get to where he needs to be. And I know some will say it's overblown, but after the second goal, defending an in-zone 2-on-2, he kept retreating until he was about 5 feet from the crease and just let the dude walk in.

But, playing Myers over AMac (or anyone) last night wouldn't have made a difference.
- jmatchett383

Oh I know. But it wasn't just last night with MacDonald. he just doesn't look healthy.

Also was it me or did the Flyers not hit anyone last night?

I don't think anyone is exempt from criticism last night, but man oh man AMac looks completely lost. It's just bad read after bad read. Either that, or he just physically can't get to where he needs to be. And I know some will say it's overblown, but after the second goal, defending an in-zone 2-on-2, he kept retreating until he was about 5 feet from the crease and just let the dude walk in.

But, playing Myers over AMac (or anyone) last night wouldn't have made a difference.
- jmatchett383

AMac didn't suddenly forget how to play hockey - I think what we saw last night is due to not being close 100% healthy.

I agree about Myers for last night, but he could be a better option than AMac at least until AMac is healthy again.

- jmatchett383