I think we all assume that the team, as it is currently constructed, is still two or three years away from being serious Cup contenders. Running with a combination of Elliott, Nuevey, Lyon, Stolie this year won't diminish our chances of making playoffs and hoping for a first-round win.

Now, let's just say that all the pieces come together. We improve the PK, our young d corps plays above their heads. Secondary scoring and team defense are strong. All of the guys we have identified as needing to step up actually step up. We are 1st place in Metro, near top of conference. If the only question mark at the halfway point is goaltending and Carter Hart is playing well in AHL, do we ride him?

Thoughts on what Hexy should or would do in that situation?
- cdearth23

First in the metro with Hart still in the AHL? Why change anything?

Wait, I guess it depends on what you mean by question mark in goal. I wonder how big a question it could be if they're first in the metro at the half-way point.

bristol bridge?
- wcorvette

yep

On a completely different topic:

If any of you miscreants will be in the south Jersey shore area tomorrow night, I will be playing from 8-11pm at Proud Mary's Bar, 3209 Fairmount Ave in Atlantic City. No cover, and the drink prices are very reasonable!

On a completely different topic:

If any of you miscreants will be in the south Jersey shore area tomorrow night, I will be playing from 8-11pm at Proud Mary's Bar, 3209 Fairmount Ave in Atlantic City. No cover, and the drink prices are very reasonable!
- BiggE

I won't be but break a leg, BiggE!!

Understood, but even with a complete breakdown of Elliott and Neuvirth I think it's asking too much of Hart to step in. I wouldn't mind seeing him get his feet wet in the NHL this year but relying on him to own the crease this season? I don't think so, Tim.
- Scoob

I'm not gonna put money on it, but I don't think it's really that far fetched. It's not like the bar he needs to jump is set that high, LOL.

I won't be but break a leg, BiggE!!
- VladDrag

Thanks!

Laughton and Lindblom would have been next on my list. I also gave a bit of thought to Myers who expect is playing in the Flyers top 6 before seasons end and to NAK who I think will win the 4RW spot out of camp
- BiggE

ill add a re-break out and Simmonds has 29-33 goals

yep
- Scoob

what side?

I'm not gonna put money on it, but I don't think it's really that far fetched. It's not like the bar he needs to jump is set that high, LOL.
- BiggE

I think folks are under estimating the jump from junior to AHL/NHL. Carter Hart at the world juniors last year, even though they won did not look invincible. I see him the entire year in Lehigh.

what side?
- wcorvette

NJ

I'm not gonna put money on it, but I don't think it's really that far fetched. It's not like the bar he needs to jump is set that high, LOL.
- BiggE

True, but still has to be NHL ready. Those guys don't mess around.

I think folks are under estimating the jump from junior to AHL/NHL. Carter Hart at the world juniors last year, even though they won did not look invincible. I see him the entire year in Lehigh.
- ClaudeFather

You're probably right, my only point was that he has a significantly better chance at seeing NHL action or even winning a full time spot in Philly this upcoming season than in most NHL cities due to none of our current goalies being solid #1 guys, 1 (Neuvy) being very injury prone and another (Stolarz) coming off very serious lower body injuries.

If I had to bet, I'd bet on him playing the entire year in LHV, but I think he at least has a shot to be a Flyer this season.

True, but still has to be NHL ready. Those guys don't mess around.
- Scoob

Agreed.

I think you owe it to the team, if they are in playoff position, to give them the best chance possible to win. If Hextall feels that Hart is the best goalie they have, then you go with him. We've all seen what a hot goalie can do for a solid playoff team.

Also Hart seems to have a pretty good head on his shoulders and I think he will be able to mentally handle whatever happens so I don't see there being a lot of risk. If they are a bubble team that's one thing, but if your scenario plays out and they are at the top, or even near the top of the Metro, then Hextall owes it to his players to give them the best chance possible at succeeding in the post season. If Hart is their best goalie, you go with him.
- BiggE

I'd be surprised if Hextall would call up Hart if Elliott and/or Neuvirth were still healthy and playing. I would speculate that Hextall's intentions are for Hart to play the entire season in the AHL based on Hextall's track record for handling players. Situations could change that of course but I think it's a long shot.

You're probably right, my only point was that he has a significantly better chance at seeing NHL action or even winning a full time spot in Philly this upcoming season than in most NHL cities due to none of our current goalies being solid #1 guys, 1 (Neuvy) being very injury prone and another (Stolarz) coming off very serious lower body injuries.

If I had to bet, I'd bet on him playing the entire year in LHV, but I think he at least has a shot to be a Flyer this season.
- BiggE

I could see it, we have an injury or two (very likely smh), if Hart is on a tear he could get the call up. If anything it will be 40+ games into the season. Do you think if he doesn't look NHL ready in Lehigh, they will most likely trade for a serviceable backup if we have injuries to Elliot/Neuvirth?

NJ
- Scoob

where

I could see it, we have an injury or two (very likely smh), if Hart is on a tear he could get the call up. If anything it will be 40+ games into the season. Do you think if he doesn't look NHL ready in Lehigh, they will most likely trade for a serviceable backup if we have injuries to Elliot/Neuvirth?
- ClaudeFather

I think if both the vets go down, then yes, they will trade for a goalie. If one goes down, Lyon would likely get the first shot and both Hart and Stolarz could get looks as well.

First in the metro with Hart still in the AHL? Why change anything?

Wait, I guess it depends on what you mean by question mark in goal. I wonder how big a question it could be if they're first in the metro at the half-way point.
- Scoob

I guess what I mean is, what if the rest of the team develops quicker than expected and the weak link (question mark) is goaltending?

This team won a few games this past season with so-so goaltending. If everything else is clicking, we could be in contention with average goaltending. Assume an injury or two and no one is playing like a #1 netminder. Hart is showing well in AHL. Scenario could be Lyon and Nuevey or Elliott and Lyon as NHL combo. Big decision.

Agreed.
- BiggE

Absolutely. Hart would have to be playing well in AHL for this to even be considered.

Break out player of the year

Neuvy post a 925 save percentage and doesn't lose a game.






2-0, has to have leg amputated at the end of game 2

I guess what I mean is, what if the rest of the team develops quicker than expected and the weak link (question mark) is goaltending?

This team won a few games this past season with so-so goaltending. If everything else is clicking, we could be in contention with average goaltending. Assume an injury or two and no one is playing like a #1 netminder. Hart is showing well in AHL. Scenario could be Lyon and Nuevey or Elliott and Lyon as NHL combo. Big decision.
- cdearth23

I'd first look to the market and see what veteran goalies could be available and viable for the rest of the season.

where
- wcorvette

that's classified lol

that's classified lol
- Scoob

coward

First in the metro with Hart still in the AHL? Why change anything?

Wait, I guess it depends on what you mean by question mark in goal. I wonder how big a question it could be if they're first in the metro at the half-way point.
- Scoob

If the team is doing well, it means that all of the players and the coach are individually doing well and there is no room for improvement.

I never believed this until last year when I was told that, since the team was doing well, that 100% of the decisions made by Dave Hakstol were correct.

If the team is doing well, it means that all of the players and the coach are individually doing well and there is no room for improvement.

I never believed this until last year when I was told that, since the team was doing well, that 100% of the decisions made by Dave Hakstol were correct.
- jmatchett383

sarcasm received

That said, my point was that if they're in first at the half way point despite flaws, why change? This specifically refers to Hart and the goaltending situation. I'm not a fan of change for change sake - i.e., "just give the kids a chance!!!!1." But if there is a need, as I said above, I'd look to veteran help first.