I don’t think too many people are calling for Hextall to be fired. Hak though, well that’s a different story.

I’ve been a Hextall supporter since he took the job, but this team’s goaltending mess is 100% on him. If he’s going to make an early season deal, it needs to be for an upgrade in goal. There may not be a deal to be made, but if there is, that’s the need that has to be filled.
- BiggE

I'm not sure what the answer is. Its obvious this team is not very good. I actually think they have a bunch of talent but that doesn't always lead to wins said cpt obvious.
so what is it?

1) poorly coached ?

2)poorly constructed?

3) glaring weakness in key area's ?

or simply a poor start and given time they will be fine.

all I know is this is year 4 of the Hakstol tenure. I don't see an improvement. yes they had a whopping ten point increase in one season....but they still suck on the PK....they still have no real answer in net.....they still are wildly inconsistent from period to period....the core hasn't won a single playoff round yet several guys are paid like superstars and they continue to be near the cap max....so the one thing that's not responsible for this is the ownership and their commitment.

so what are the answers?

This is not the coach.
This is the "Core" players.

The lack of consistent start, the lack of 60 minutes of play and the lack of detail on the ice. The "Core" have been doing that for three coaches. The marginal players are the ones who pay for it....not Giroux, not Simmonds, not Couturier.

1. Someone from the Core has to go. Soon. Simmonds is the best candidate. I am still steamed at him for the number of last minute icings he has taken trying to hit an empty net from the D zone. Selfish.

2. Bring up Stolarz or Lyon and either IR Elliot or outright him. It is sad, but he simply can't move the way he did even last year. I don't blame him, he battles. Ride Lyon/Stolarz as long as possible.

3. Bring in a real PK coach with a real concept of how to kill penalties. All the players love Lappy. That is part of the problem. He is supposed to be a player development coach and special teams coach, not a team mascot. That is Gritty's job.

The Flyers are not near the cap max. They currently sit with over 9M of available cap space and that is with 3 goalies and 8 defenseman with Neuvirth and Morin on IR. There are only 7 teams in the league with more available cap space.

This is not the coach.
This is the "Core" players.

The lack of consistent start, the lack of 60 minutes of play and the lack of detail on the ice. The "Core" have been doing that for three coaches. The marginal players are the ones who pay for it....not Giroux, not Simmonds, not Couturier.

1. Someone from the Core has to go. Soon. Simmonds is the best candidate. I am still steamed at him for the number of last minute icings he has taken trying to hit an empty net from the D zone. Selfish.

2. Bring up Stolarz or Lyon and either IR Elliot or outright him. It is sad, but he simply can't move the way he did even last year. I don't blame him, he battles. Ride Lyon/Stolarz as long as possible.

3. Bring in a real PK coach with a real concept of how to kill penalties. All the players love Lappy. That is part of the problem. He is supposed to be a player development coach and special teams coach, not a team mascot. That is Gritty's job.
- wbon22

Stolarz or Lyon are not better than Elliott. Elliott was fine last night and held the team in the game early. The PK issuers are also not coaching. What was the problem on the PK last night?

And I am sorry...but why is it that dumping on Robert Hagg, who the media (especially in Philadelphia) had all written off as disposable so fashionable.

Has he made some mistakes, yes. Has he also been the best overall two way defenseman for the Flyers so far...YES.

Stolarz or Lyon are not better than Elliott. Elliott was fine last night and held the team in the game early. The PK issuers are also not coaching. What was the problem on the PK last night?
- MJL

Elliot was not the problem "last night". The PK was fine "last night". And they lost 4 - 1.

I said, I don't blame Elliot, but he isn't as good as he was last season. Frankly, I was surprised that Neuvirth was even brought back to camp. Now they are lumbered with him as well. Lyon and Stolarz have shown that they can play in the NHL. Neither have shown issues with mobility or puck tracking and frankly, if the players in front have no faith in the goaltending, they over compensate, and that makes things worse.

This is not the coach.

- wbon22

He doesn't help the issues. He genuinely seems over his head and does not know how to control his team. It's 9 games into the season and he's throwing his players under the bus.

There's swirling info out there that he's got until Thanksgivingish time frame to turn it around. Apparently there is a push from the ownership group to see results..After Hexy spending 7m a year on JvR, you can see why.

Elliot was not the problem "last night". The PK was fine "last night". And they lost 4 - 1.

I said, I don't blame Elliot, but he isn't as good as he was last season. Frankly, I was surprised that Neuvirth was even brought back to camp. Now they are lumbered with him as well. Lyon and Stolarz have shown that they can play in the NHL. Neither have shown issues with mobility or puck tracking and frankly, if the players in front have no faith in the goaltending, they over compensate, and that makes things worse.
- wbon22

It's still early in the season. The plan shouldn't change. Elliott is holding the net until Hart is ready. So you think that Stolarz or Lyon will help the issue?

The Flyers are not near the cap max. They currently sit with over 9M of available cap space and that is with 3 goalies and 8 defenseman with Neuvirth and Morin on IR. There are only 7 teams in the league with more available cap space.
- MJL

This is true...today...but as is usually the case with you it is simply a false narrative. the last 3 years the Flyers were right up against the cap. With the Provorov Konecny and Sanheim deals coming due the $ is already ear marked for them

And to think a few weeks ago I posted this team is set for step back this year. I got laughed at lolol.

This team has glaring holes throughout the line up. The 3c spot is a biggie. I really thought that was going to be a no issue with the rookie doing well in pre season but that's seems to have passed. Put him back in for 10 games. Still no improvement send him back down. Maybe its because provy is having a rough start and mcdud is injured but that d looks freakin horrible besides ghost and gudas. Who would have thought gudas! That's how bad it is. Goaltending? still waiting on that to show up to properly gage it. Hopefully hart does well for the next two months because at this rate the flyers need him now.

This is not the coach.
This is the "Core" players.

The lack of consistent start, the lack of 60 minutes of play and the lack of detail on the ice. The "Core" have been doing that for three coaches. The marginal players are the ones who pay for it....not Giroux, not Simmonds, not Couturier.

1. Someone from the Core has to go. Soon. Simmonds is the best candidate. I am still steamed at him for the number of last minute icings he has taken trying to hit an empty net from the D zone. Selfish.

2. Bring up Stolarz or Lyon and either IR Elliot or outright him. It is sad, but he simply can't move the way he did even last year. I don't blame him, he battles. Ride Lyon/Stolarz as long as possible.

3. Bring in a real PK coach with a real concept of how to kill penalties. All the players love Lappy. That is part of the problem. He is supposed to be a player development coach and special teams coach, not a team mascot. That is Gritty's job.
- wbon22

The PK needs some new perspective and a new direction....that is painfully obvious.

To move a core player is easier said then done, but I have to agree. This group has not been close to having any real success.

I actually think Hakstol deserves a chance with some new players....we've tried interchanging the fringe, and they did move Schenn...it doesn't appear its working.

This is true...today...but as is usually the case with you it is simply a false narrative. the last 3 years the Flyers were right up against the cap. With the Provorov Konecny and Sanheim deals coming due the $ is already ear marked for them
- landros 2

Honestly, even with provy,konecny, and sanheim deals they will still have plenty of cap space going forward. With cap going up the normal amount they would have like 35 million in space. Maybe 16 million to sign those three leaves plenty left. If they sign Simmonds for like 5 years and 7 per year then it becomes cloudy with Patrick due shortly as well. But with gudas and mcdud falling off as well the next year, still plenty of space.

And to think a few weeks ago I posted this team is set for step back this year. I got laughed at lolol.

This team has glaring holes throughout the line up. The 3c spot is a biggie. I really thought that was going to be a no issue with the rookie doing well in pre season but that's seems to have passed. Put him back in for 10 games. Still no improvement send him back down. Maybe its because provy is having a rough start and mcdud is injured but that d looks freakin horrible besides ghost and gudas. Who would have thought gudas! That's how bad it is. Goaltending? still waiting on that to show up to properly gage it. Hopefully hart does well for the next two months because at this rate the flyers need him now.
- jmdodgeser4

tough to pin the hopes on a 20 year old goalie for this season. I actually think this team will get better if a couple key changes are done....the young core is good and will get better. But I think the Flyers are past the point of hoping this thing will fix its self.

I'm not sure what the answer is. Its obvious this team is not very good. I actually think they have a bunch of talent but that doesn't always lead to wins said cpt obvious.
so what is it?

1) poorly coached ?

2)poorly constructed?

3) glaring weakness in key area's ?

or simply a poor start and given time they will be fine.

all I know is this is year 4 of the Hakstol tenure. I don't see an improvement. yes they had a whopping ten point increase in one season....but they still suck on the PK....they still have no real answer in net.....they still are wildly inconsistent from period to period....the core hasn't won a single playoff round yet several guys are paid like superstars and they continue to be near the cap max....so the one thing that's not responsible for this is the ownership and their commitment.

so what are the answers?
- landros 2

It’s basically a combo of all of the above.

This team gets off to a slow start each and every game. While that’s not all on the coach, he has to take some of the blame. It’s obvious that Hak does not know which buttons to push to get these guys fired up at the start of games.

The PK has fluctuated between mediocre and atrocious for a long time. Personally, I would have fired Lappy after last season. A new voice would have been nice. The goaltending should have been addressed long ago. Neuvirth never should have been re-signed and an upgrade, whether via trade or FA, should have been brought in.

So, what are the answers. Well, here’s what I would do.

1. Change the forward lineup/lines. Weal needs to sit, the penalties are inexcusable. Assuming Raffl is out, my lines would be:

G-Coots-TK
If this is the line that’s going to start games, I want Konecny’s energy on that first shift, and overall, he’s just a better fit than Simmonds

Laughton-Patrick-Jake

Lindblom-Misha-Simmonds
This line needs to play a simple north/south game and establish an aggressive cycle game in the O zone

Weise-Lehtera-NAK
If Raffl’s out long term, I’d bring up NAK and play him over Knight. This team could use an injection of hustle, youth and skill in the lineup.

On D:
Provorov-Ghost
For all their struggles, this is still the best option they have for a top pair.

Sanheim-Gudas
Without a doubt, this should be the 2nd pair

Hagg-AMac/Myers
Myers has played pretty well the last couple games at LHV. If AMac isn’t healthy, bring him up. I’ve had enough of Folin

2. Make a deal to bring in an upgrade in goal if possible. Any improvement could only help this team.

3. Fire/re-assign Lappy and hire an assistant with NHL head coaching experience. Lappy needs to go and this gives you an option for a head coach to finish the season if this team’s play doesn’t pick up

Honestly, even with provy,konecny, and sanheim deals they will still have plenty of cap space going forward. With cap going up the normal amount they would have like 35 million in space. Maybe 16 million to sign those three leaves plenty left. If they sign Simmonds for like 5 years and 7 per year then it becomes cloudy with Patrick due shortly as well. But with gudas and mcdud falling off as well the next year, still plenty of space.
- jmdodgeser4

That's were I was going...the Simmonds contract for sure and then the kids will all start to come off their rookie deals...then things change. My point was Ownership has always, will always spend $....this organization is far superior to half the other groups out there that don't have an open wallet policy.

Anybody agree it might be time to really change up the lines? Like move g back to center and have coots and Patrick as 2nd and 3rd line centers? I don't like it but really that 3rd line center spot isn't getting filled otherwise this year. That's ear marked for Frost next year I believe as is the net for Hart. Next year is the year we start seeing this plan take effect. Maybe, and I hate tanking for prospects, but maybe we get our stud left wing sniper.

Anybody agree it might be time to really change up the lines? Like move g back to center and have coots and Patrick as 2nd and 3rd line centers? I don't like it but really that 3rd line center spot isn't getting filled otherwise this year. That's ear marked for Frost next year I believe as is the net for Hart. Next year is the year we start seeing this plan take effect. Maybe, and I hate tanking for prospects, but maybe we get our stud left wing sniper.
- jmdodgeser4

I’d leave G at LW.

Elliot was not the problem "last night". The PK was fine "last night". And they lost 4 - 1.

I said, I don't blame Elliot, but he isn't as good as he was last season. Frankly, I was surprised that Neuvirth was even brought back to camp. Now they are lumbered with him as well. Lyon and Stolarz have shown that they can play in the NHL. Neither have shown issues with mobility or puck tracking and frankly, if the players in front have no faith in the goaltending, they over compensate, and that makes things worse.
- wbon22

the Pk was 1 for 2...not a great sample size.. Your a 100% correct that its tough to play in front of bad goaltending.

"they continue to be near the cap max...."

I am not a hakstol hater but it might just need to be the move. Something is off with this team. They have talent. But something just isn't passing the eye test. It's the easiest move to make. But If Hakstol is gone I would also hope Laperriere is too as his PK is terrible.

When does the time come to start dealing some of the picks/prospects to you know actually help the nhl club? I am not talking about acquiring aging vets or the like.
They expect to be a playoff club and take steps forward yet he kept the slop they have in goal while also not addressing the pk.

This is one area Ronald has pretty much completely ignored; helping the flyers. Hoarding picks and prospects is only one aspect of being a GM.

Also seems Bill and other media types are going out of there way to not put much blame on the goalies on both flyers and phantoms. Just my opinion.

Honestly, even with provy,konecny, and sanheim deals they will still have plenty of cap space going forward. With cap going up the normal amount they would have like 35 million in space. Maybe 16 million to sign those three leaves plenty left. If they sign Simmonds for like 5 years and 7 per year then it becomes cloudy with Patrick due shortly as well. But with gudas and mcdud falling off as well the next year, still plenty of space.
- jmdodgeser4

False narrative.

Simmonds leads our team with goals and JvR is hurt and your number one focus is to trade Simmonds...

My question is, how will trading Simmonds make us better? What kind of impact could make us better now by trading Simmonds? A vet like Mac is sitting. The Flyers the most part have tanked the last four years, which is why we having Provorov and Konecny and we still struggle. We have all the talented youth a team could ask for and brought in a high priced UFA. What difference will trading Simmonds make outside scoring less?
- SuperSchennBros

trading him doesn't make you better in the present day unless they get a crazy haul. Either way with or without Simmonds this team is average at best.

If it is about the future and Ronald is on year 5 of his 10 year plan then you pull the trigger to trade him; unless the offers are just really weak.

Well...Sanheim looked pretty good.

So there's that.

It's still early in the season. The plan shouldn't change. Elliott is holding the net until Hart is ready. So you think that Stolarz or Lyon will help the issue?
- MJL

what if hart never becomes ready then what? They should have had a better plan in place than Elliot and the other dreck to hold the fort down for the next 3 years. He choose not to and tis will hurt this team.