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

In the last 3 seasons, Neuvirth has played 32, 28, and 22 games.

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.
- MJL

I don't know, man -- this league is shifting. I didn't, and won't, say it is here and now, without any doubt, because I was honestly making a general observation and you're being pedantic -- if I was making a specific statement and somebody had a "gotcha" moment for me, I'd have no problem acknowledging that

Mr. Meltzer,

Is it just me or have the Flyers become at team that opponents play their backup against?

I don't know, man -- this league is shifting. I didn't, and won't, say it is here and now, without any doubt, because I was honestly making a general observation and you're being pedantic -- if I was making a specific statement and somebody had a "gotcha" moment for me, I'd have no problem acknowledging that
- AllInForFlyers

The style of hockey in the 90's was just completely different hockey than it is now. There weren't many teams who played tight neutral zone systems and there was a lot of up and down hockey.

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.
- landros 2

Let me ask you this then. How long did it take Chicago and Pittsburgh to rebuild? It took them close to 10 years and they had to tank to do it. This team has been rebuilding while still being competitive. Yes it is year 5 but most full rebuilds go much longer. Edmonton is still rebuilding and they are around year 10. Their GM made panic moves because their team still wasnt showing any success and know they are without 2 of their top players in horrid trades.

Flyers are taking the right steps. They need a 3C and #1 goalie and they will get that. However they arent going to get it right now. Earliest they can get those is at the TDL. They have a good enough team to make the playoffs. Hextall will look to acquire a #3C who can kill penalties as well as a goalie as there are some good rental options out there.

Bob
Miller
Howard
Varlamov
Lehner
Ward
Talbot

Of course it all depends where they are in the standings. Playoff teams typically dont trade away their UFAs. They are home grown rentals. Honestly C wise. I dont see to many rental options. Fehr might be the only real choice. Only other G choices would be Quick which will be costly and perhaps Schneider which obviously comes with risk

Mr. Meltzer,

Is it just me or have the Flyers become at team that opponents play their backup against?
- ritns028

Kinkaid has been playing regularly over Schnieder because he's been hurt. Vasilevsky is out with a broken foot.

Let me ask you this then. How long did it take Chicago and Pittsburgh to rebuild? It took them close to 10 years and they had to tank to do it. This team has been rebuilding while still being competitive. Yes it is year 5 but most full rebuilds go much longer. Edmonton is still rebuilding and they are around year 10. Their GM made panic moves because their team still wasnt showing any success and know they are without 2 of their top players in horrid trades.

Flyers are taking the right steps. They need a 3C and #1 goalie and they will get that. However they arent going to get it right now. Earliest they can get those is at the TDL. They have a good enough team to make the playoffs. Hextall will look to acquire a #3C who can kill penalties as well as a goalie as there are some good rental options out there.

Bob
Miller
Howard
Varlamov
Lehner
Ward
Talbot

Of course it all depends where they are in the standings. Playoff teams typically dont trade away their UFAs. They are home grown rentals. Honestly C wise. I dont see to many rental options. Fehr might be the only real choice. Only other G choices would be Quick which will be costly and perhaps Schneider which obviously comes with risk
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

You answered your own question about Pittsburgh and Chicago . Both built around two star players up front. Used high draft picks... Kinda what Philly had 6 years ago in Giroux and Vorecek. Where me and you differ is now easy to see. I think Hextall can try and fix these issues in the short term....you think he should wait and let’s the kids develop into these roles. I guess my thought is there are no guarentees on prospects and I really think they will hit on some of these guys ....but there is absolutely no reason he cant try and help this years team. You say They can’t do anything until trade deadline ? Why ?
I also think Laughton would and will be just fine at the 3rd line Center position...but that’s just my opinion.

I never said and don’t think this is easy or Hextall already would have done so. I guess we are both entitled to our opinions, with mine I’m not willing to throw this season away....if the Flyers dont address goaltending and the PK....this is a lost season....I just don’t think it has to be.


Edit....both Chicago and Pittsburgh won cups within 6 years of drafting their cornerstone stars.....Malkin/Crosby....Toews/Kane. I sure hope your not advocating a 10 year rebuild.

I found an interesting article on Dave Scott:

http://www2.philly.com/ph...r-ceo-owner-20180918.html

I found an interesting article on Dave Scott:

http://www2.philly.com/ph...r-ceo-owner-20180918.html
- Doctor DOOM

Interesting. He says the right things and seems pretty supportive of Hextall and his team, but he clearly wants to put a winner on the ice. I think my timeline is probably pretty accurate. If this team doesn't win a playoff round and look to be a legit Cup contender by the end of the 20-21 season, I think you will see major changes in the management dept.

if we want to improve our PK we need to go back to the days when players would stop blocks with their eyes, heads, and balls

BRING BACK THOR BALLS

You answered your own question about Pittsburgh and Chicago . Both built around two star players up front. Used high draft picks... Kinda what Philly had 6 years ago in Giroux and Vorecek. Where me and you differ is now easy to see. I think Hextall can try and fix these issues in the short term....you think he should wait and let’s the kids develop into these roles. I guess my thought is there are no guarentees on prospects and I really think they will hit on some of these guys ....but there is absolutely no reason he cant try and help this years team. You say They can’t do anything until trade deadline ? Why ?
I also think Laughton would and will be just fine at the 3rd line Center position...but that’s just my opinion.

I never said and don’t think this is easy or Hextall already would have done so. I guess we are both entitled to our opinions, with mine I’m not willing to throw this season away....if the Flyers dont address goaltending and the PK....this is a lost season....I just don’t think it has to be.


Edit....both Chicago and Pittsburgh won cups within 6 years of drafting their cornerstone stars.....Malkin/Crosby....Toews/Kane. I sure hope your not advocating a 10 year rebuild.
- landros 2

Giroux and Voracek werent high draft picks for the Flyers. Giroux was taken 22nd overall and Voracek was 7th overall but for Columbus. You answered it yourself as well. Six years since drafting their stars. We still have 1 year to go but you have realize that Giroux and Voracek are not Toews\Kane or Malkin\Crosby. There was also a hell of a lot more to CHI than TOews and Kane. They also had Seabrook, Keith Buffy, Hossa, Ladd when he was good. Hjallmarson, Brian Campbell and Versteeg.

We have guys who are going to be like that but not yet. Patrick and Konecny are going to be great players but they arent there yet. There is no magic solution. You just have to wait for the young guys to become great. Some take longer than Others. Couturier didnt breakout for 7 years.

Mr. Meltzer,

Is it just me or have the Flyers become at team that opponents play their backup against?
- ritns028

At least yesterday its you as the Bolts starting goalie is out with a broken foot.

Looking at the PK it is reasonable to suggest that the organization has had meetings to discuss improving it.
Is it the system, the coaches or the players?
Either way nothing has changed and that’s on Hextall’s shoulders.
A trade might not be available that makes sense. If that’s the case ok do we have phantoms that can be called up?
What kind of system tweeks or changes have been made?
Why hasn’t the coach been replaced?

Hakstol can put the players on the ice and insist on scheme and let the pk coach run with it.
He may or may not have the green light to fire Lappy.
Hexy can fire the coach and or bring in different players.
Essentially Hexy has the majority of the blame on his shoulders for the poor PK.
It’s not like this is a new phenomenon.

Giroux and Voracek werent high draft picks for the Flyers. Giroux was taken 22nd overall and Voracek was 7th overall but for Columbus. You answered it yourself as well. Six years since drafting their stars. We still have 1 year to go but you have realize that Giroux and Voracek are not Toews\Kane or Malkin\Crosby. There was also a hell of a lot more to CHI than TOews and Kane. They also had Seabrook, Keith Buffy, Hossa, Ladd when he was good. Hjallmarson, Brian Campbell and Versteeg.

We have guys who are going to be like that but not yet. Patrick and Konecny are going to be great players but they arent there yet. There is no magic solution. You just have to wait for the young guys to become great. Some take longer than Others. Couturier didnt breakout for 7 years.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Your cherry picking...what’s it matter where they were drafted?...both are the cornerstones of the franchise before Hextall....they also had some good guys like Schenn, couturier and Simmonds..they had already drafted ghost...I could counter and say Hextall had more pieces....he never did a rebuild, it was more like a retool. I think there’s patience and I would suggest Hextall has that trait....but I think it’s time to ramp this up. I don’t disagree that they aren’t that close...but if you waiting on Carter Hart and Phil Myers...that turns this in to a 10 year plan....problem with that model? Where are Vorecek and Giroux then ? What if Myers, Hart and Sanheim don’t develop for 7 years.....there’s more then one way to skin a cat.

Your cherry picking...what’s it matter where they were drafted?...both are the cornerstones of the franchise before Hextall....they also had some good guys like Schenn, couturier and Simmonds..they had already drafted ghost...I could counter and say Hextall had more pieces....he never did a rebuild, it was more like a retool. I think there’s patience and I would suggest Hextall has that trait....but I think it’s time to ramp this up. I don’t disagree that they aren’t that close...but if you waiting on Carter Hart and Phil Myers...that turns this in to a 10 year plan....problem with that model? Where are Vorecek and Giroux then ? What if Myers, Hart and Sanheim don’t develop for 7 years.....there’s more then one way to skin a cat.
- landros 2

I am not cherry picking. You made it out as if Giroux and Voracek were like Pens getting Crosby and Malkin. These were #1 overall guys. They is a huge gap between Voracek and those two. Giroux is still a teir behind.

No one here was high on Schenn, same people complaining about Schenn being traded are the same ones that wanted him gone before he broke out. It weas the same bullpoop with Giroux. He had 2 bad years and ot was decided he was declining we had toget rid of him. Good thing our GM doesnt make moves based on these boards or this would be a last place team for sure.

Simmonds is not good. Perhaps in the old NHL sure. He is an opportunistic player. He got PP time and he made use of it. Beyond the PP, he isnt that good of a player. I wouldnt go as far to say he is trash but he leaves a lot to be desired. His skill set is quite limited. Unless he's in front of the goalie, he's not going to contribute.

We dont need to wait on Myers or Hart or Freidman. Flyers have their future top 4. Provorov, Ghost, Hagg and Sanheim. Many suggest Morin is ready which my give Hextall some leeway to make a deal. They just have to be good enough for the 3rd pair which isnt much of an expectation. Hart is not going to be ready for some time. This is why I believe Hextall will look at another goalie option at the TDL or during the off season. There wasnt much at the time Elliot was the best FA goalie at the time and he was 16th on the list of best free agents of 2017. Top 15 were all forwards and Dmen

Everyone cries trade but they dont understand you can only deal if there is someone willing on the other side. Every GM over values their players. You have to give to get and if you look at many of the deals how many out there look like someone got what was deserved in return? Sakic was overpaid for Duchene. Ottawa undersold Hoffman and Karlsson. EDM got ripped off by NJ and NYI for Hall and Eberle. NYR got ripped off for Spooner. Pearson\Hagelin trade was onesided as well.

Hextall is smart and is staying away from this garbage.

I am not cherry picking. You made it out as if Giroux and Voracek were like Pens getting Crosby and Malkin. These were #1 overall guys. They is a huge gap between Voracek and those two. Giroux is still a teir behind.

No one here was high on Schenn, same people complaining about Schenn being traded are the same ones that wanted him gone before he broke out. It weas the same bullpoop with Giroux. He had 2 bad years and ot was decided he was declining we had toget rid of him. Good thing our GM doesnt make moves based on these boards or this would be a last place team for sure.

Simmonds is not good. Perhaps in the old NHL sure. He is an opportunistic player. He got PP time and he made use of it. Beyond the PP, he isnt that good of a player. I wouldnt go as far to say he is trash but he leaves a lot to be desired. His skill set is quite limited. Unless he's in front of the goalie, he's not going to contribute.

We dont need to wait on Myers or Hart or Freidman. Flyers have their future top 4. Provorov, Ghost, Hagg and Sanheim. Many suggest Morin is ready which my give Hextall some leeway to make a deal. They just have to be good enough for the 3rd pair which isnt much of an expectation. Hart is not going to be ready for some time. This is why I believe Hextall will look at another goalie option at the TDL or during the off season. There wasnt much at the time Elliot was the best FA goalie at the time and he was 16th on the list of best free agents of 2017. Top 15 were all forwards and Dmen

Everyone cries trade but they dont understand you can only deal if there is someone willing on the other side. Every GM over values their players. You have to give to get and if you look at many of the deals how many out there look like someone got what was deserved in return? Sakic was overpaid for Duchene. Ottawa undersold Hoffman and Karlsson. EDM got ripped off by NJ and NYI for Hall and Eberle. NYR got ripped off for Spooner. Pearson\Hagelin trade was onesided as well.

Hextall is smart and is staying away from this garbage.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Your opinion on Simmonds is completely wrong in my opinion. If the Flyers made Simmonds available, there would be a lot of interested teams calling.

Just saw the replay of Alex Smith’s leg snap in half. Ouch.

I am not cherry picking. You made it out as if Giroux and Voracek were like Pens getting Crosby and Malkin. These were #1 overall guys. They is a huge gap between Voracek and those two. Giroux is still a teir behind.

No one here was high on Schenn, same people complaining about Schenn being traded are the same ones that wanted him gone before he broke out. It weas the same bullpoop with Giroux. He had 2 bad years and ot was decided he was declining we had toget rid of him. Good thing our GM doesnt make moves based on these boards or this would be a last place team for sure.

Simmonds is not good. Perhaps in the old NHL sure. He is an opportunistic player. He got PP time and he made use of it. Beyond the PP, he isnt that good of a player. I wouldnt go as far to say he is trash but he leaves a lot to be desired. His skill set is quite limited. Unless he's in front of the goalie, he's not going to contribute.

We dont need to wait on Myers or Hart or Freidman. Flyers have their future top 4. Provorov, Ghost, Hagg and Sanheim. Many suggest Morin is ready which my give Hextall some leeway to make a deal. They just have to be good enough for the 3rd pair which isnt much of an expectation. Hart is not going to be ready for some time. This is why I believe Hextall will look at another goalie option at the TDL or during the off season. There wasnt much at the time Elliot was the best FA goalie at the time and he was 16th on the list of best free agents of 2017. Top 15 were all forwards and Dmen

Everyone cries trade but they dont understand you can only deal if there is someone willing on the other side. Every GM over values their players. You have to give to get and if you look at many of the deals how many out there look like someone got what was deserved in return? Sakic was overpaid for Duchene. Ottawa undersold Hoffman and Karlsson. EDM got ripped off by NJ and NYI for Hall and Eberle. NYR got ripped off for Spooner. Pearson\Hagelin trade was onesided as well.

Hextall is smart and is staying away from this garbage.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

You said those two franchises rebuilt for 10 years? That’s just not true. Both won cups after being able to draft up near the top within 6 years. The Flyers hit the jackpot with Giroux....maybe not as good as Crosby, but I’d put him in the category of Toews, Kane and Malkin in a heart beat.....and I don’t think Vorecek is very far off.

Schenn was developing slowly but was the prime target when the Flyers traded for him. Simmonds is still a very good NHL player. Both are still really good NHL players.

Yes there are good trades and bad trades....are you saying you don’t think Hextall is capable of making a trade to help this team ? We don’t need a goaltender at the TDL...we need one now ....for one the prices at the TDL are stupid and two it may not matter by then.

Simply put a Gm’s job is to build a team but it is also to put the best possible team on the field ...why can’t Hextall achieve both? In fact considering he already signed a 30 year free agent winger for 35 million dollars I assume that he feels like I do.

Your opinion on Simmonds is completely wrong in my opinion. If the Flyers made Simmonds available, there would be a lot of interested teams calling.
- MJL

Is there a GM board where players that are available are posted?
Most likely Hextall is playing his cards close to the vest and already listening to offers and thinking he can do better.
I would believe that plenty of GM’s have inquired to his status.

You said those two franchises rebuilt for 10 years? That’s just not true. Both won cups after being able to draft up near the top within 6 years. The Flyers hit the jackpot with Giroux....maybe not as good as Crosby, but I’d put him in the category of Toews, Kane and Malkin in a heart beat.....and I don’t think Vorecek is very far off.

Schenn was developing slowly but was the prime target when the Flyers traded for him. Simmonds is still a very good NHL player. Both are still really good NHL players.

Yes there are good trades and bad trades....are you saying you don’t think Hextall is capable of making a trade to help this team ? We don’t need a goaltender at the TDL...we need one now ....for one the prices at the TDL are stupid and two it may not matter by then.

Simply put a Gm’s job is to build a team but it is also to put the best possible team on the field ...why can’t Hextall achieve both? In fact considering he already signed a 30 year free agent winger for 35 million dollars I assume that he feels like I do.
- landros 2

That is where you are wrong. It was 6 years from getting those players sure but how long did they suck before that? The rebuild doesnt just start when you drafter franchise talent. Rebuild started once they stopped being a good team.

Hextall has done it. This is the best team he can put on the ice right now. Any big trade that will make a difference involves a core piece going the other way. Other GMS want our young Dmen, they wan Patrick, they want Konecny and they want Hart. Nobody wants the players we are looking to move like AMac, Gudas, Neuvirth, Weise, Lehtera especially at their cap hits.

Trading Sanheim, Ghost, Provorov, Giroux, Voracek, Konecny, Patrick, Lindblom and the other prospects soon to make the jump is counter productive. The only reason to trade Voracek is if Nylander is coming back and lets not kid ourselves we'd be giving up a lot to make that trade.

What you see is the best team Hextall can ice. He tried to get a #3 C and he wasnt able to get one. They all signed elsewhere. A goalie has not been available as well. Like I said 2017 the best goalie available was Elliot. Do you think its a coincidence that Elliot was signed up until 2019 when a lengthy list of goaltending options hit FA market? No it is part of his plan. Doesnt mean he can sign any of them, it has to be something the goalie wants plus it could become a bidding war but the plan is to try.

As an outsider, I only learned today that Gritty has a weird, purple, balloon-knot belly-button that I cannot unsee. What hidden horror is this?

Hey guys another cornerback is injured

Might as well play a receiver as a corner because the birds have no one left

Hey guys another cornerback is injured
- bulet13

Ugly game gets uglier..

Kelce out hurt with elbow
Cornerback jacks up leg
Wentz underthrow and 13 does nothing to adjust really

Hey guys another cornerback is injured
- bulet13

Ugly game gets uglier..

Kelce out hurt with elbow
Cornerback jacks up leg
Wentz underthrow and 13 does nothing to adjust really