Solid argument there on Hextall.

Bill, Jay, and now Ant San have gone on record saying how much Hextall controlled and how suffocating it was. Believe what you want, I guess. What Ant San wrote explains a lot:

Poor effort from a miserable team
Hak staying around and Gordon getting fired
Homer and Scott stepping in.

A lot of this stuff Hextall kind of admitted to in his press conference.

We'll never know what fully happeend, but I'm inclined to believe Bill, Jay, and Ant over...Hextall?
- feelingkettle

I'm inclined to believe some of it but I think something else is true also. There is side A story, side B, and the truth somewhere in the middle. There's a lot of things written that I agree with. For example, limiting access to the locker room. That's the office. It should be treated as such. If it's true that Couturier re-injured his knee in a charity game, I'd be furious at that. I also agree with hiring a nutritionist and controlling what the player eat while they're at work. The business, the Flyers has made investments worth millions of dollars in these players. Nutrition is important and can help make them better players. If they truly care about the business, they'd care about that just as Hextall did.
Things I can't get behind and I fine reprehensible is using Gord Murphy to spy on the team for Hextall. If true, shame on Murphy. As a former player he should know better. Really poor decision by Hextall. If he was truly micro managing Hakstol as a coach, which I doubt, that's not goof either. Need to let your coach, coach.

I agree we need a 3c but why cant we flip simmer and Jake now ? I still like the Coyle idea since wild are supposedly shopping him. His 4 million wont hurt us for this year and next. Wild have a cap bind end of year
- Tfaehner

Why would the Wild want Simmer, who they'd need to re-sign or Jake if they have a cap bind next year?

Jake's lack of "mucus n testicles", was evident on him getting stoned on two shots on his breakaway. With the puck still loose outside the crease,
He just had to take two quick strides and fight a tiny bit other the just kinda making a tiny poke while standing still.
- Konalover

It was a rebound and he got wood on that shot. I don't see that. Credit the goaltender.

re acquiring a center:

There's not a whole lot out there right now as no contender or even a bubble team is likely going to want to move an effective pivot. However, I can see three possibilities:

1. Artem Anisimov CHG 30 years old, 6'4 200
Anisimov is signed through 20-21 at a cap hit of 4.55 million per. He has good size, solid skills and speed and is defensively responsible. He can kill penalties and he's a good playmaker who can likely put up 12-15 goals and 30-35 points without pp time. He may not appeal to a contender due to the term left on his deal. I would think a 3rd round pick paired with a good but not top prospect would get a deal done.

2. Frans Nielsen DET 34 6'1 190
The catch with Nielsen is that he's signed thru 21-22 at a cap hit of 5.25 million per. At full price, I'd have no interest at all. However, if Detroit is willing to eat at least 1.75 million per, I'd at least explore a deal. Nielsen still has good wheels, is skilled and plays a smart, two way game. Because Detroit badly needs to shed salary, even if they withhold 1.75 million per, I doubt he'd cost more than something like a 4th and a lesser prospect like Vecchione.

3. Darren Helm DET 31 (turns 32 in Jan) 6'0 196
Helm can play all three forward positions, but is optimally more of a 4th line guy. He has very good speed though and is an excellent PKer, but he won't bring much offense to the table. His cap hit is a bit high for what he gives you (3.85 million per through 20-21), but if Detroit is willing to retain 1 million he might be a nice pickup who won't cost a lot to acquire. Probably could get him straight up for a 4th or a 5th paired with a guy like Vecchs or even Leier.

It was a rebound and he got wood on that shot. I don't see that. Credit the goaltender.
- MJL

Not what I'm talking about.
Watch replay, after second yes great save the puck was loose. He stood still and meekly reached his stick out. It was lazy and showed no desire. A (frank)ing stride woulda been nice.

Not what I'm talking about.
Watch replay, after second yes great save the puck was loose. He stood still and meekly reached his stick out. It was lazy and showed no desire. A (frank)ing stride woulda been nice.
- Konalover

Just re-watched that. I don't see that there. He had to stop first. He had no chance to get to that puck before the Pens player.

re acquiring a center:

There's not a whole lot out there right now as no contender or even a bubble team is likely going to want to move an effective pivot. However, I can see three possibilities:

1. Artem Anisimov CHG 30 years old, 6'4 200
Anisimov is signed through 20-21 at a cap hit of 4.55 million per. He has good size, solid skills and speed and is defensively responsible. He can kill penalties and he's a good playmaker who can likely put up 12-15 goals and 30-35 points without pp time. He may not appeal to a contender due to the term left on his deal. I would think a 3rd round pick paired with a good but not top prospect would get a deal done.

2. Frans Nielsen DET 34 6'1 190
The catch with Nielsen is that he's signed thru 21-22 at a cap hit of 5.25 million per. At full price, I'd have no interest at all. However, if Detroit is willing to eat at least 1.75 million per, I'd at least explore a deal. Nielsen still has good wheels, is skilled and plays a smart, two way game. Because Detroit badly needs to shed salary, even if they withhold 1.75 million per, I doubt he'd cost more than something like a 4th and a lesser prospect like Vecchione.

3. Darren Helm DET 31 (turns 32 in Jan) 6'0 196
Helm can play all three forward positions, but is optimally more of a 4th line guy. He has very good speed though and is an excellent PKer, but he won't bring much offense to the table. His cap hit is a bit high for what he gives you (3.85 million per through 20-21), but if Detroit is willing to retain 1 million he might be a nice pickup who won't cost a lot to acquire. Probably could get him straight up for a 4th or a 5th paired with a guy like Vecchs or even Leier.
- BiggE

I like Anisimov and would have interest. The issue is why is Chicago going to trade him and for what? They don't have much center depth themselves.

Why would the Wild want Simmer, who they'd need to re-sign or Jake if they have a cap bind next year?
- BiggE

I meant in the lineup not for Coyle. That would be a waste

I like Anisimov and would have interest. The issue is why is Chicago going to trade him and for what? They don't have much center depth themselves.
- MJL

Only makes sense if Chicago trying to hit reset. I have interest as well.

I like Anisimov and would have interest. The issue is why is Chicago going to trade him and for what? They don't have much center depth themselves.
- MJL

The why is easy, the Hawks need to shed some salary and rebuild. They still have Toews and they just acquired Strome so they do have some guys that can play center in a top 9 role. They will (or at least should) address their depth at center via the draft. The Hawks are kidding themselves if they think they are going to contend again in the near future, they really need to start acquiring picks and prospects. I would think a 2nd round pick straight up would get a deal done. Or a 3rd paired with a non blue chip prospect.

Only makes sense if Chicago trying to hit reset. I have interest as well.
- Tfaehner

Hard to see Chicago not going into a rebuild mode at this point. They're kidding themselves if not.

Hard to see Chicago not going into a rebuild mode at this point. They're kidding themselves if not.
- BiggE

Its hard to see anisimov as the guy to move there though. They need Seabrook and Crawford gone. When you got toews kane Keith already in tow you could rebuild fairly quickly

The why is easy, the Hawks need to shed some salary and rebuild. They still have Toews and they just acquired Strome so they do have some guys that can play center in a top 9 role. They will (or at least should) address their depth at center via the draft. The Hawks are kidding themselves if they think they are going to contend again in the near future, they really need to start acquiring picks and prospects. I would think a 2nd round pick straight up would get a deal done. Or a 3rd paired with a non blue chip prospect.
- BiggE

The Hawks still have Keith and Toews and Kane signed to big contracts. I think the Hawks would want more than that for Anisimov. I think they'd have to be offered a deal they can't turn down to trade him. I don't see them packing it in. I certainly could be wrong but that's how I see it. If they trade Anisimov, who is their 2nd line center/ Strome? We both know how long it can take for a center drafted to make it to the NHL in a 2nd line center role. We're seeing that with Patrick.

Hard to see Chicago not going into a rebuild mode at this point. They're kidding themselves if not.
- BiggE

Their fans are looking at the Flyers and saying the same thing.

The Hawks still have Keith and Toews and Kane signed to big contracts. I think the Hawks would want more than that for Anisimov. I think they'd have to be offered a deal they can't turn down to trade him. I don't see them packing it in. I certainly could be wrong but that's how I see it. If they trade Anisimov, who is their 2nd line center/ Strome? We both know how long it can take for a center drafted to make it to the NHL in a 2nd line center role. We're seeing that with Patrick.
- MJL

Agree. I think you're looking a 2nd maybe even a late 1st and a good prospect at least rubtsov level.

Their fans are looking at the Flyers and saying the same thing.
- Tomahawk

Good God. They may burn down wells Fargo. We have tons of puzzle pieces it's up to the new gm to evaluate them all and put together a picture that competes. Even if he has to trade a few.

I'm inclined to believe some of it but I think something else is true also. There is side A story, side B, and the truth somewhere in the middle. There's a lot of things written that I agree with. For example, limiting access to the locker room. That's the office. It should be treated as such. If it's true that Couturier re-injured his knee in a charity game, I'd be furious at that. I also agree with hiring a nutritionist and controlling what the player eat while they're at work. The business, the Flyers has made investments worth millions of dollars in these players. Nutrition is important and can help make them better players. If they truly care about the business, they'd care about that just as Hextall did.
Things I can't get behind and I fine reprehensible is using Gord Murphy to spy on the team for Hextall. If true, shame on Murphy. As a former player he should know better. Really poor decision by Hextall. If he was truly micro managing Hakstol as a coach, which I doubt, that's not goof either. Need to let your coach, coach.
- MJL

I agree with pretty much everything you said. I would also be upset about Couturier, but making everyone wear a knee brace can screw up things for a lot of people. Also the food thing, I can get behind. I think the issue with those though is that it's part of a larger pattern.

I read somewhere that it wasn't just about limiting access to buddies in the locker room, but also not allowing alumni to come in and give words of encouragement after the game. It seems as though Hextall didn't really know where reasonable requests and just plain authoritarian management differed.

I will also say I'm inclined to believe micromanaging Hakstol happened, as Hextall didn't even allow him to pick his own assistant coaches. That's just crazy. I wonder if Hextall reached out of the NHL for his coach, since probably no NHL coach worth anything would put up with that poop.

Anyway, I'd find all this less believable if Bill and Jay hadn't alluded to it earlier in the week.

Where do we think the Pens are going? Will they step up this season? or, are they just to dependent on Crosby and malkin?

Some observations from last night:

While Provy struggled early, he seemed to play better as the game went on and looked very solid in the 3rd. I really think his struggles have little to do with his stick or any physical ailment, rather they are mainly mental. He just looks like he's pressing and trying too hard. With some of the recent stuff that has come out about Murphy and the D's distrust of him, I have to think that was affecting the kid's play. Hopefully, he can now settle down and play the game the way we know he can.

Couturier had a very strong game and looks just as good as he did last season. There is no way I'd break up him and G right now or in the near future. I'd much rather they make a move to bring in another solid center and just take some pressure off of Patrick. It would also allow Coot to perhaps play a bit less, ideally you don't want any forward playing much more than 20 minutes per game max.



Stolie was very good last night. If he can keep this up and Mr. Glass can at least manage not to shatter until Moose returns, perhaps they can get away with not moving any assets to acquire another goalie right now.

Both AMac and Gudas had good games last night. If they can play like this on a consistent basis, it would go a long way towards settling the whole D corps down. Also thought Hagg played his usual quiet, but solid game as well. He'll never be a star, but on a good team he'll be very capable 3rd pair guy who can step up to the 2nd pairing if needed now and then and also help out on the PK.

I can totally understand why Sanheim is getting the ice time that he is right now. He's not generating offense and he still gets out muscled a lot along the wall and in the corners in the D zone. Until he gets a little stronger and also starts producing a little more, he really can't expect to get that much more ice time at ES. However, I would not be opposed to see him get a crack at Provy's spot on the 2nd pp unit. His ability to carry the puck with speed through the neutral zone might help the 2nd unit get set up faster and have some time to actually get something accomplished.

TK is really starting to look like the TK of last season, it's needed and great to see.

Voracek seemed to get the message as he looked to be hustling back on D with a bit more alacrity than usual.

And finally, kudos to Wayne Simmonds. It takes a big pair to take on a guy who has 5 inches and 70 lbs on you, and Simmonds is that guy. That fight energized the team and showed just how badly Simmonds wants to win. I still think the smart long term move is to trade him, but he will be missed.
- BiggE

agree on most but I think Sanheim is playing well, he needs to add muscle for sure but he has been using his skating and reach pretty well. His gap control is much better this year too.

I agree with pretty much everything you said. I would also be upset about Couturier, but making everyone wear a knee brace can screw up things for a lot of people. Also the food thing, I can get behind. I think the issue with those though is that it's part of a larger pattern.

I read somewhere that it wasn't just about limiting access to buddies in the locker room, but also not allowing alumni to come in and give words of encouragement after the game. It seems as though Hextall didn't really know where reasonable requests and just plain authoritarian management differed.

I will also say I'm inclined to believe micromanaging Hakstol happened, as Hextall didn't even allow him to pick his own assistant coaches. That's just crazy. I wonder if Hextall reached out of the NHL for his coach, since probably no NHL coach worth anything would put up with that poop.

Anyway, I'd find all this less believable if Bill and Jay hadn't alluded to it earlier in the week.
- feelingkettle

I wouldn't want the Alumni around the player after games either. Is words of encouragement all they're going to offer. Alumni should be around alumni events and not given access to the team around games in my opinion.

We won't get it but I'd love to hear Hakstol's side of it. If I remember correctly when he was hired, he wanted to bring along with him one of his college assistant. The assistant declined. Is it possible Hakstol simply didn't have a lot of NHL level coaching talent to draw from? We'll probably never know.

None of this would've mattered if the team was winning in my opinion.

Normally Bill has a review blog up by now after a game, not rushing just saying.

I wonder if there is news to go along with new blog...

I wouldn't want the Alumni around the player after games either. Is words of encouragement all they're going to offer. Alumni should be around alumni events and not given access to the team around games in my opinion.

We won't get it but I'd love to hear Hakstol's side of it. If I remember correctly when he was hired, he wanted to bring along with him one of his college assistant. The assistant declined. Is it possible Hakstol simply didn't have a lot of NHL level coaching talent to draw from? We'll probably never know.

None of this would've mattered if the team was winning in my opinion.
- MJL

Winning cures most things. Would love to hear from Hakstol about it someday. Hextall got criticized for being to loyal to Hakstol and not firing Hakstol. Now some say Hakstol wasn't part of his inner circle.

Very interesting, but I am so ready to move on and see what the next GM does. I do hope Hextall gets another shot somewhere and he may be better off in a place that doesn't have the Flyers history.

The Hawks still have Keith and Toews and Kane signed to big contracts. I think the Hawks would want more than that for Anisimov. I think they'd have to be offered a deal they can't turn down to trade him. I don't see them packing it in. I certainly could be wrong but that's how I see it. If they trade Anisimov, who is their 2nd line center/ Strome? We both know how long it can take for a center drafted to make it to the NHL in a 2nd line center role. We're seeing that with Patrick.
- MJL

If I was running the Hawks, I'd be shopping Crawford, Keith and Kane. They still have value, especially Kane, and moving them could really jump start their rebuild. Toews and even more Seabrooke, are unmovable due to their deals. The Hawks are a mess right now. They have 23 points in 27 games are going absolutely nowhere and I don't see any way they get much better next season if they keep the same core.

The Flyers are in much better shape than the Hawks. They have no deals on the books anywhere near as bad as Seabrooke or even Toews and they have a deeper pool of quality prospects in the system and a lot more youth on the current NHL roster. If the Hawks brass can't see that it's time to tear it down and rebuild then that team is (frank)ed.

Normally Bill has a review blog up by now after a game, not rushing just saying.

I wonder if there is news to go along with new blog...
- Glak18

Feel like the news will come soon, but maybe Bill just deserves a day off.

Normally Bill has a review blog up by now after a game, not rushing just saying.

I wonder if there is news to go along with new blog...
- Glak18

Or he's just enjoying some family time on the weekend, LOL