I hope Comcast never goes full MLSE on us.
- Tomahawk

Me too.

I would really like to see the media ask Hextall why he hasn't moved on from Lappy. And when he inevitably says it's not Lappy that's the problem, it's the players then I'd like to see them follow up by asking why he has been unable to give Lappy competent PK'ers to work with year in and year out.

They've run out of excuses for the PK and something needs to be done.
- hereticpride

Well put

Poile didn't make it out of the 1st round until his 12th season.
- Tomahawk

And he now has arguably the best on ice team in the NHL.
Poile IS the epitome of a great GM! Hextall will get us there but he has to find some sucker like Poile did with Montreal. Then poile found his 3c.
He flipped Jones, who was a potential first overall pick, for ryan Johansen who, imo, is not even a top end 1c.....yet. and the team never missed a beat on defense because poile had drafted exceptionally well.
Give hextall some time. I think people forget that this team had NOTHING in the pipeline when hextall took over. Hextall has some rope to spare.... I don't feel that Hak has much left, especially with our league worst PK.
If hextall wants to save Hak then personnel changes need to happen ASAP

I understand your point but they already know what someone like Hitchcock would tell them. Hell I know what he would tell them. There is no system tweak that will fix this. This is a player issue and a lot of it is mental. Think about how as a fan you feel when the Flyers have to kill a penalty? I think well here comes a goal! Players are human also. Success brings success. You could see it on the PP. How they're thinking about it rather than just reacting and playing. Forcing plays that aren't there.
- MJL

I don't know, man -- I don't disagree that some of it is mental. They aren't robots; they do and have made mistakes.

I do think it's fair to question, after years of pretty woeful killing, if they are capable of consistently not making those mistakes.

I'm not always a "fire the coach/trade the players" person. But this is a case where it's not just 20 games this season. That PK was rancid last season, too, and the year before that when the tandem was Mason/Neuvirth.

They have changed goalies, some of the players over the years. But this PK just keeps on leaking goals, has since Chief's final season

I don't think calling out Hextall for failure to upgrade them in goal or to replace Lappy constitutes anyone being a "drama queen". Also, you have to ask yourself why aren't the players executing the PK properly as I can see only 2 reasons. They are incapable of doing so, which, if true, means the coach needs to figure out a system that they are capable of handling. Or, they simply aren't listening to the coaches directives. Either way, I would think changing coaches would be a normal response in this case. Especially when you look at the overall performance of the PK for the last few seasons.


- BiggE

Ill state it again for the umpteenth time. I have no issue with anyone suggesting a coaching change for the PK. Can I be any clearer?

To answer your other, passive/aggressive query of course I don't have PROOF that the owners have issues with the team's performance just as you don't have PROOF that they do not have issues with the team's performance. For someone who likes to call out others for making ridiculous statements, well, all I can say is pot, kettle, black. Quite frankly, unless you are part of Ron Hextall's inner circle, you cannot KNOW what the plan is or if it is proceeding along the lines that the GM expected it to. You can guess, but it's just a guess. For all any of us know, Hextall may be furious with the current team, both players and coaches and he may be kicking himself for going into the season counting on Neuvirth to be one of his goalies.


- BiggE

More ridiculousness. Hextall is on record in stating what the plan is. He clearly has the backing of Holmgren. Hextall of course has also given interviews where he's talked about the current state of the team. It's clear what Hextall's thinking is. So I don't have to be in the inner circle to asses the information given. As far as inventing issues such as the business side. That's what you're doing. It's speculation based on little information. As far as being passive/aggressive. You're the only one doing that. I'm just effectively refuting what you post. It's not personal for me.

I've been a loyal fan of this team from nearly day one and my family had season tix from 1970 to the 04-05 lockout. FYI, giving them up had little to do with the lockout, they just got too expensive. I went to nearly every game during the early 90s stretch where they missed the playoffs 5 straight years. I was there when they came up woefully short in first round exits in 1998, 99, 01, and 02. I watch every game unless work or gigs make it impossible. I think I'm about as far from a front runner or drama queen as anyone on this (frank)ing board. But I will call out anyone, GM, coach or player if I feel they screwed up.

I refuse to blindly accept that Ron Hextall's plan is some magical can't fail masterpiece that will soon have us challenging for a Cup for years to come. So far Hextall has shown a very good ability to build an excellent scouting staff and draft well and he's shown solid skill at cap management. However, the final proof will be the results and the jury is still out. IF you are going to refer to posters as drama queens, then I think it's just as fair to refer to you as a homer.
- BiggE

Nobody, myself included thinks that Hextall's plan is a magical can't fail masterpiece. More absurdity. However, most of us agreed when Hextall took over that drafting and developing was the way to go in the current hockey environment. Now many are losing patience and looking to bail. Just more drama.

You can call me a homer but you can't back it up.

Marody looks like he'll be a low-end 3C/high-end 4C for a few years. Really good motor. Glad Hextall gave him a shot in an organization that needed it, because while I think he's got an NHL future, I haven't seen anything out of him yet that makes me think he could move the needle for the Flyers
- AllInForFlyers

He’s young...I think he’s had a good start to his AHL career this year and deserved a callup. Not sure what they project his ceiling to be, but he didn’t look out of place. I mean we saw it with Martel as well....not every prospect is going to make the Flyers. Some will have to go elsewhere...some won’t make it out of Lehigh.

One of the problems that they have this season is that more teams than ever are playing with pace and skill. Not every single team has the horses, but almost every team is trying to play faster and with more skilled players.

How this has mattered for the Flyers, and across the league, is that because almost every team is trying to play with pace, defenders are taking more penalties. Defenses are constantly under pressure even when they aren't -- even the bad teams are capable of coming in waves of speedy players.

Combine that with the goalie market correction that was long overdue -- old-timers recognize that you're basically seeing the goaltending numbers of the early-to-mid 90s, where you could win a Vezina with a .910 SVPCT -- and you see more PKs and goalies getting lit up on a nightly basis than ever.

That doesn't mean it's every game, every night. It means that most nights, somebody's giving up 5 or 6 when it used to be 3 or 4

Ill state it again for the umpteenth time. I have no issue with anyone suggesting a coaching change for the PK. Can I be any clearer?



More ridiculousness. Hextall is on record in stating what the plan is. He clearly has the backing of Holmgren. Hextall of course has also given interviews where he's talked about the current state of the team. It's clear what Hextall's thinking is. So I don't have to be in the inner circle to asses the information given. As far as inventing issues such as the business side. That's what you're doing. It's speculation based on little information. As far as being passive/aggressive. You're the only one doing that. I'm just effectively refuting what you post. It's not personal for me.



Nobody, myself included thinks that Hextall's plan is a magical can't fail masterpiece. More absurdity. However, most of us agreed when Hextall took over that drafting and developing was the way to go in the current hockey environment. Now many are losing patience and looking to bail. Just more drama.

You can call me a homer but you can't back it up.
- MJL

I can back it up, you just refuse to see it. Honestly arguing with you is like playing chess with a pigeon. The bird will just crap all over the board and call itself the winner. I truly hope you don't dislocate your shoulder patting yourself on the back as you congratulate yourself for knowing all the answers. I'm done, but I know you will respond, I have yet to see a discussion on this site that involves you in which you don't insist on getting the last word. Have at it and have a nice day.

One of the problems that they have this season is that more teams than ever are playing with pace and skill. Not every single team has the horses, but almost every team is trying to play faster and with more skilled players.

How this has mattered for the Flyers, and across the league, is that because almost every team is trying to play with pace, defenders are taking more penalties. Defenses are constantly under pressure even when they aren't -- even the bad teams are capable of coming in waves of speedy players.

Combine that with the goalie market correction that was long overdue -- old-timers recognize that you're basically seeing the goaltending numbers of the early-to-mid 90s, where you could win a Vezina with a .910 SVPCT -- and you see more PKs and goalies getting lit up on a nightly basis than ever.

That doesn't mean it's every game, every night. It means that most nights, somebody's giving up 5 or 6 when it used to be 3 or 4
- AllInForFlyers

If our teams save percentage was even north of .900, it would be an improvement.

There are two questions to ask in regards to the PK. Do we have good enough players to execute an effective PK, if not, then why was no one signed or traded for over the summer for that role? If we have the right players, which is probably what Hexy believes since he made no pk acquisitions this offseason, then it must be the system/coaching. Hard to argue then that this change should have been made, and probably a year or two ago. That now falls on Hexy as a failure to address obvious issues, unless they are working their way out of a 4 year pk slump by changing nothing.

Wish the media in Philly would start asked some tough questions, instead of just accepting this new attitude of content mediocrity where veterans can make the same mistakes over and over again and young players who beat out veterans are sent to the minors or make one mistake and are stapled to the bench.

We shouldn’t be surprised though, Hexy signed two mediocre, injury prone goalies and they have been mediocre and injury prone. Sam Morin and Phil Myers are great prospects? but can’t crack a lineup the last couple years that feature AMac, Folin, and Manning. I know Morin is injured but he was sent down last year after having a good camp. The PK stinks, no new players or coach. It’s predictable and frustrating as we really have some really good players on this team and they aren’t getting any younger.

Hard pass on Quick. He's not the goalie he used to be. Too much of a gamble for 5 years remaining on his contract.

I can back it up, you just refuse to see it. Honestly arguing with you is like playing chess with a pigeon. The bird will just crap all over the board and call itself the winner. I truly hope you don't dislocate your shoulder patting yourself on the back as you congratulate yourself for knowing all the answers. I'm done, but I know you will respond, I have yet to see a discussion on this site that involves you in which you don't insist on getting the last word. Have at it and have a nice day.
- BiggE

No you can't back it up. The very fact that you've moved the conversation off of hockey and onto me personally is proof that you can't. Take your best shot at it. I'll be waiting. You won't because you can't.

One of the problems that they have this season is that more teams than ever are playing with pace and skill. Not every single team has the horses, but almost every team is trying to play faster and with more skilled players.

How this has mattered for the Flyers, and across the league, is that because almost every team is trying to play with pace, defenders are taking more penalties. Defenses are constantly under pressure even when they aren't -- even the bad teams are capable of coming in waves of speedy players.

Combine that with the goalie market correction that was long overdue -- old-timers recognize that you're basically seeing the goaltending numbers of the early-to-mid 90s, where you could win a Vezina with a .910 SVPCT -- and you see more PKs and goalies getting lit up on a nightly basis than ever.

That doesn't mean it's every game, every night. It means that most nights, somebody's giving up 5 or 6 when it used to be 3 or 4
- AllInForFlyers

Pekke Rinne currently has a SV% of .943. There are 10 starters with an SV% of .920 or higher.

If our teams save percentage was even north of .900, it would be an improvement.
- BiggE

Believe it or not, even with a couple of shaky outings, I think Elliott's been good enough in the environment that exists around the league this season. If people look at it in a vacuum, they might think otherwise, but man, I'm telling you, goalies are getting absolutely lit up this year. Elliott's been OK. He really hasn't been their problem.

Even the backups, I mean, look. If people expect .915s out of Pickard/Neuvirth/Lyon, they need to come to grips that this season isn't like that. It just isn't. If they can get backup goaltending at maybe...2.95-3.05/.900, we should be happy with that because we will not be alone there.

Where we are absolutely ridiculous is this PK. It really could make them miss the playoffs. It really could

No you can't back it up. The very fact that you've moved the conversation off of hockey and onto me personally is proof that you can't. Take your best shot at it. I'll be waiting. You won't because you can't.
- MJL

Thanks for proving my point.

There are two questions to ask in regards to the PK. Do we have good enough players to execute an effective PK, if not, then why was no one signed or traded for over the summer for that role? If we have the right players, which is probably what Hexy believes since he made no pk acquisitions this offseason, then it must be the system/coaching. Hard to argue then that this change should have been made, and probably a year or two ago. That now falls on Hexy as a failure to address obvious issues, unless they are working their way out of a 4 year pk slump by changing nothing.

Wish the media in Philly would start asked some tough questions, instead of just accepting this new attitude of content mediocrity where veterans can make the same mistakes over and over again and young players who beat out veterans are sent to the minors or make one mistake and are stapled to the bench.

We shouldn’t be surprised though, Hexy signed two mediocre, injury prone goalies and they have been mediocre and injury prone. Sam Morin and Phil Myers are great prospects? but can’t crack a lineup the last couple years that feature AMac, Folin, and Manning. I know Morin is injured but he was sent down last year after having a good camp. The PK stinks, no new players or coach. It’s predictable and frustrating as we really have some really good players on this team and they aren’t getting any younger.
- darkerens

Some have suggested that Hextall should've went after Grabner to help the Pk. Well he signed a 3 year deal for 3.5M a year or so. I would think Hextall would balk at that. I also think it's why he didn't sign a player for 3C.
Hakstol does not bench young players for one mistake. He benches young players for a pattern of repeated mistakes. Veterans are doing the same thing and it's frustrating as hell.

Pekke Rinne currently has a SV% of .943. There are 10 starters with an SV% of .920 or higher.
- MJL

I didn't say every single goalie, man -- 10 starters is a third of the league, right?

That means that 2/3 of the league is capable of getting strafed on any given night, and that's what I've seen consistently. Matt Murray, Carey Price, Tuuka Rask...all of them have gotten shelled at some point. Rask is rocking a 2.78/.912 right now

Do you remember what the team looked like in those 5 years? We were luckily to even be in the playoffs most those years. I know some we didnt.

You cant sit there and say nothing has happened in those 5 years. In those 5 years we were a skilless, depthless team with nothing to look forward to. In those 5 years Hextall cleared us of almost all bad contracts Holmgren gave out. Grossman, L.Schenn, Lecavalier, Pronger, Hartnell. I am sure I am missing some. He added a poop ton of young prospects to our prospect pool. We know have one of the best D prospect pools in the league. These players are slowly starting to make their way to the team. Now they have to learn how to be professional hockey players in the NHL.

The team we had in 2013 was not a quick fix. What have seen flashed of what these young players can do, now they need to learn how to be consistent. We have one of the best offenses in the league. The next step for this team is to get rid of AMac, Gudas, Simmonds, get a goalie and let the youngsters develop. You can add Weise if you want personally his existence on the team is irrelevant.

Giroux is 30. He is in his prime right now but that doesnt mean our window is small. Joe Thornton is still playing high level hockey at 39. Giroux should be able to as well.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

I think my statements on Hextall are slightly different. I think he has done some exceptional things....but I also think he needs to move along the process. To me the two glaring issues will not fix them selve and will need his intervention. My response I believe is correct....I understood it wouldn’t happen over night and Hextall did say he wanted to build through the draft, but this is year 5...not year two. I hope Hextall starts to address this years glaring holes and gives this team a chance....I think he has the assets to do it without selling the future. I think at this point he can walk and chew gum at the same time.

Believe it or not, even with a couple of shaky outings, I think Elliott's been good enough in the environment that exists around the league this season. If people look at it in a vacuum, they might think otherwise, but man, I'm telling you, goalies are getting absolutely lit up this year. Elliott's been OK. He really hasn't been their problem.

Even the backups, I mean, look. If people expect .915s out of Pickard/Neuvirth/Lyon, they need to come to grips that this season isn't like that. It just isn't. If they can get backup goaltending at maybe...2.95-3.05/.900, we should be happy with that because we will not be alone there.

Where we are absolutely ridiculous is this PK. It really could make them miss the playoffs. It really could
- AllInForFlyers

Elliott is good enough, but, at best and now it's doubtful with his current injury, he gives you 55 starts. Counting some combo of Neuvirth, Pickard and Lyon to give the team 27 or more quality starts is a pretty big gamble. However, apparently calling for Hextall to have jettisoned Neuvirth and to have brought in a 2nd, capable NHL starter makes one a drama queen.

I didn't say every single goalie, man -- 10 starters is a third of the league, right?

That means that 2/3 of the league is capable of getting strafed on any given night, and that's what I've seen consistently. Matt Murray, Carey Price, Tuuka Rask...all of them have gotten shelled at some point. Rask is rocking a 2.78/.912 right now
- AllInForFlyers

You stated that the Vezina could be won with a .910 SV%

Elliott is good enough, but, at best and now it's doubtful with his current injury, he gives you 55 starts. Counting some combo of Neuvirth, Pickard and Lyon to give the team 27 or more quality starts is a pretty big gamble. However, apparently calling for Hextall to have jettisoned Neuvirth and to have brought in a 2nd, capable NHL starter makes one a drama queen.
- BiggE

You know where I was with that. Neuvirth shouldn't have been on the roster last year, to me

You stated that the Vezina could be won with a .910 SV%
- MJL

Yes, I did say that, as part of a general conversation about what goaltending could look like as a whole this season.

I mean, come on, man -- do you really think I don't know that John Gibson, etc., exist? Seriously?

I made a general comment that we might be heading into an era where we see that again

You know where I was with that. Neuvirth shouldn't have been on the roster last year, to me
- AllInForFlyers

Hextall was caught up in a tight spot due to how the Mason situation played out.

Elliott is good enough, but, at best and now it's doubtful with his current injury, he gives you 55 starts. Counting some combo of Neuvirth, Pickard and Lyon to give the team 27 or more quality starts is a pretty big gamble. However, apparently calling for Hextall to have jettisoned Neuvirth and to have brought in a 2nd, capable NHL starter makes one a drama queen.
- BiggE

He gambled and lost. Ok....now is the time to get the goaltending fixed....unless some out there see this years answer somewhere in this organization ? Pointing out an OBVIOUS glaring weakness that hasn’t been fixed doesn’t make you a drama queen.

Yes, I did say that, as part of a general conversation about what goaltending could look like as a whole this season.

I mean, come on, man -- do you really think I don't know that John Gibson, etc., exist? Seriously?

I made a general comment that we might be heading into an era where we see that again
- AllInForFlyers

Except that there isn't any evidence that we are seeing it. A .910 SV% puts you 35th in the league. We're not going to see that. The league and the checking is just too structured to return to those levels.