Yeah, it's pretty interesting.

I have complained about Hak's lineup decisions quite a bit, but we will really never know for sure what input Hextall is having and how much blame/credit he should be getting. The coach sets the lines, sure. But the coach also talks to the GM every day. And when Hexy called up Cousins, there was no chance it was just so he could sit in the stands.
- Feanor

I feel like there have been promises made and agreements made about certain players. Like playing Manning a bunch in the beginning of the year and Giving Cousins a shot. I think they're viewing this season as a chance to experiment a lot.

The team is going to look vastly different next season. Unless something dramatic happens such as injury or poor performance in training camp, Provorov and Konency will be on the roster. Provorov is a pt/game dman and now a +39, I'm not sure what he needs to learn at the junior level. Hakstol could shelter his minutes to start the season and hopefully see him increase responsibilities throughout the year. The same goes for Konency.

This is a transition year, if they make the playoffs is a bonus. At least Coots and B. Schenn tooks steps forward. I would be surprised if B. Schenn wasn't signed to a bridge contract.
- ravishingone

I think the only way to get Schenn on a short term deal will be to go thru arbitration like the Caps did last summer with Marcus Johansson. At 25 years old with the production he has had, he will be looking for something with more security, and another two year bridge deal would make him a free agent in 2018. Which is not good the Flyers.

The team is going to look vastly different next season.
- ravishingone

I don't think this team will start to look that much different until 2018.

I think the only way to get Schenn on a short term deal will be to go thru arbitration like the Caps did last summer with Marcus Johansson. At 25 years old with the production he has had, he will be looking for something with more security, and another two year bridge deal would make him a free agent in 2018. Which is not good the Flyers.
- Feanor

I think if they decide to resign him it's probably something closer to what Couturier got. Maybe a little less money. But probably a 5 year deal.

I don't think this team will start to look that much different until 2018.
- Tomahawk

I don't think Hexy is big on massive roster turnover. He could have really gutted the team at last year's deadline, but decided against it. I think he's all about gradual change and really values stability. As much as I want things to happen quicker, I understand and agree with him.

I don't think Hexy is big on massive roster turnover. He could have really gutted the team at last year's deadline, but decided against it. I think he's all about gradual change and really values stability. As much as I want things to happen quicker, I understand and agree with him.
- PhillySportsGuy

I'm def willing to be patient, given the results that have trickled in thus far.

That the 5 guys on the ice thought it was cool to let Niskanen dance down the middle of the ice, untouched, is far more concerning to me than Mason not coming up with that save.

I think the only way to get Schenn on a short term deal will be to go thru arbitration like the Caps did last summer with Marcus Johansson. At 25 years old with the production he has had, he will be looking for something with more security, and another two year bridge deal would make him a free agent in 2018. Which is not good the Flyers.
- Feanor

The organization seemed content to sign shorter deals with Voracek until the big extension. I would be pleasantly surprised if they could get Schenn signed to an extension similar to Coots or Simmonds. It depends if Schenn and his agent are willing to bet on his performance improving to a 30 goal scorer level in the next two seasons.

Guys, what's with all of the objective, non-poster based hockey talk today?

That the 5 guys on the ice thought it was cool to let Niskanen dance down the middle of the ice, untouched, is far more concerning to me than Mason not coming up with that save.
- johndewar

Connor McNiskanen

I don't think Hexy is big on massive roster turnover. He could have really gutted the team at last year's deadline, but decided against it. I think he's all about gradual change and really values stability. As much as I want things to happen quicker, I understand and agree with him.
- PhillySportsGuy

Yeah, he's also highly resistant to rushing kids in, so I'm not sure Ivan/Konecny are virtual locks to make the team or anything.

I don't think Hexy is big on massive roster turnover. He could have really gutted the team at last year's deadline, but decided against it. I think he's all about gradual change and really values stability. As much as I want things to happen quicker, I understand and agree with him.
- PhillySportsGuy

It's hard to build a team by gutting it. Slow and steady wins the race. Or in this case, hopefully the stanley cup.

Guys, what's with all of the objective, non-poster based hockey talk today?
- funmaster18

Everyone's so sad over the loss of hockeystreams.com that they can't muster up enough internal fire to attack each other.

Everyone's so sad over the loss of hockeystreams.com that they can't muster up enough internal fire to attack each other.
- mayorofangrytown

I'm glad I never got sucked in. I have enough to be disappointed about already

Yeah, he's also highly resistant to rushing kids in, so I'm not sure Ivan/Konecny are virtual locks to make the team or anything.
- Tomahawk

It would definitely be against type for what Hextall has professed so far.

And I don't think either guy will be AHL eligible at the start of next season.

Yeah, he's also highly resistant to rushing kids in, so I'm not sure Ivan/Konecny are virtual locks to make the team or anything.
- Tomahawk

With many teams thinking Provorov could have jumped in this year, maybe next year is Hextall's version of not rushing him. It's a player to player thing. So far, there haven't been any guys that I thought should have been on the big team hands down and weren't. Have to see how they play next year in camp. If these guys are ready, Hextall will bring them up. If they are borderline, he won't.

I'm glad I never got sucked in. I have enough to be disappointed about already
- funmaster18

I'd pay if they could just put out an affordable way to watch CHL and AHL games.

Pietrangelo headed to IR with reevaluation 3 weeks. Give st Louis a call Hexy

Rangers coach rips the league for not suspending simmonds, asking "wonder what would happen if it was crosby"

http://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/955358

AV should let this go. Guys throw punches like that all the time. If Simmonds doesn't catch him square in the jaw, I think the whole thing is nothing more than a minor incident. Funny that he doesn't address his captain's cross check to Simmonds' head, which led to the punch.

Both guys (frank)ed up and unfortunately one was injured.

With many teams thinking Provorov could have jumped in this year, maybe next year is Hextall's version of not rushing him. It's a player to player thing. So far, there haven't been any guys that I thought should have been on the big team hands down and weren't. Have to see how they play next year in camp. If these guys are ready, Hextall will bring them up. If they are borderline, he won't.
- funmaster18

I believe the long-term direction under the Hexy regime is build from within. Not saying he won't pull the trigger on a major trade like Lombardi. However, realistically teams normally only find #1 dmen and centers, and goalies through the draft. There are certainly exceptions to the rule. The other positions on the roster can be filled with the draft, trades, or free agent signings. Without those 3 positions filled, I can't think of a team in recent history who has won the cup. Also, can't think of a situation which at least 2 of those 3 prime positions weren't draft choices of their respective team.

That the 5 guys on the ice thought it was cool to let Niskanen dance down the middle of the ice, untouched, is far more concerning to me than Mason not coming up with that save.
- johndewar

^^

AV should let this go. Guys throw punches like that all the time. If Simmonds doesn't catch him square in the jaw, I think the whole thing is nothing more than a minor incident. Funny that he doesn't address his captain's cross check to Simmonds' head, which led to the punch.

Both guys (frank)ed up and unfortunately one was injured.
- funmaster18

Debatable. He's a Ranger. All humanity within me is out the window.

I am here now for a little bit.

Ek has stated Gagner has played "exceptionally well" ... In all seriousness, has he? I didn't get to catch either of the two weekend games.