I don't think Mullen being let go has anything to do with it. The PP for most of the year has been slow and methodical with indecision. Tonight they make a fast passing play for a PP goal. On another they move the puck quickly, make the defense react, create a shooting lane with traffic and get a rebound goal. Mullen already had the foundation in place. It's just about execution and making smart plays instead of forcing plays. Not rocket science.
- MJL

The whole league is pressuring the top unit at the points. Especially ghost and g. Mullen didn’t have to deal with it to the extent that their facing now. It’s hard to put a finger on the problem other than they need to counter what’s being thrown at them with a way to beat it but Simmonds is a guy you don’t want to handle the puck and they don’t have a hartnell/schenn to fire off shots in the deep slot

My opinion is that Hextall had the team moving in the right direction. The players have derailed this season. Holmgren and Scott panicked. I don't agree that he wasn't holding up his end. He was doing exactly what he said he was going to do when he was hired.
- MJL

I keep asking..what is an acceptable time line for this turnaround?

I know you said the first three years didnt really count cause reasons and that this was year 1 of moving forward...keeping in mind its been 7 years since they won a playoff series.

AS a paying fan you are okay with going 10 years between playoff series wins?

My opinion is that Hextall had the team moving in the right direction. The players have derailed this season. Holmgren and Scott panicked. I don't agree that he wasn't holding up his end. He was doing exactly what he said he was going to do when he was hired.
- MJL

I think Hextall had them moving in the right direction for the future. I think his mistake was his mismanagement of the current product on the ice, coaches included.

It's hard to look at Hextall's tenure and see anything that showed he could put a team together that would take the next step. He obviously did not do that this season, especially.

I'm at a loss. Too many 3rd and 4th liners. Too many limited wingers. No goalie play. Young d... I have no idea why this team sucks this bad.
- cdearth23

The good news is that although it’s like a team of misfit toys, they have some talent to move for a different look and hopefully a different more successful team. I’m shocked with the drop off of some of these guys, from even a year ago.

Still want to keep this team together?
- Pelle31Forever

I mean honestly. Enough is enough, time to start over

Can't believe this team wasted Giroux's prime. One of the greatest forwards in team history forced to spend his prime in Hextall's 10 year rebuild.

The whole league is pressuring the top unit at the points. Especially ghost and g. Mullen didn’t have to deal with it to the extent that their facing now. It’s hard to put a finger on the problem other than they need to counter what’s being thrown at them with a way to beat it but Simmonds is a guy you don’t want to handle the puck and they don’t have a hartnell/schenn to fire off shots in the deep slot
- Just5

That's nothing new and was the same when Mullen was here. I think the effectiveness of the high slot guy hasn't been there. That's a factor. They simply haven't been executing.

This team reminds me of what the Isles were for years. 👎

Can't believe this team wasted Giroux's prime. One of the greatest forwards in team history forced to spend his prime in Hextall's 10 year rebuild.
- PhillySportsGuy

part of the process, he needs to be patient

Can't believe this team wasted Giroux's prime. One of the greatest forwards in team history forced to spend his prime in Hextall's 10 year rebuild.
- PhillySportsGuy

I never really understood Hextall's plan with keeping G, Jake & Simmonds here. The timelines were never going to match up.

Ovi already has 30 goals?! WTF

Still want to keep this team together?
- Pelle31Forever

Not even a little.

I think Hextall had them moving in the right direction for the future. I think his mistake was his mismanagement of the current product on the ice, coaches included.

It's hard to look at Hextall's tenure and see anything that showed he could put a team together that would take the next step. He obviously did not do that this season, especially.
- feelingkettle

He spent 5 years rebuilding and hasn't gotten a single player you could build a Cup contender around.

I think Hextall had them moving in the right direction for the future. I think his mistake was his mismanagement of the current product on the ice, coaches included.

It's hard to look at Hextall's tenure and see anything that showed he could put a team together that would take the next step. He obviously did not do that this season, especially.
- feelingkettle

I just don't buy that the issue was mismanagement by the GM. I'm not saying he was perfect or didn't make any mistakes but he was building a team by the draft. The process was still in it's infancy. The players that are the future of this team are just getting started. How can you judge that process just based on this season. The finished product is what really matters.

part of the process, he needs to be patient
- Nucker101

Time to Ray Bourque him

Ovi already has 30 goals?! WTF
- coffee junkie

Just as crazy to me there are currently 10-15 players on pace for more than 100 points.

I never really understood Hextall's plan with keeping G, Jake & Simmonds here. The timelines were never going to match up.
- hereticpride

He always thought the youngsters could come along quicker then what they have I’m sure. I mean G has most certainly held up his end of the bargain.

He spent 5 years rebuilding and hasn't gotten a single player you could build a Cup contender around.
- PhillySportsGuy

Which draft pick in the top rounds that Hextall made do you disagree with? Provorov? Sanheim? Patrick? Konecny?

Tell me what you would've done differently and why?

This team reminds me of what the Isles were for years. 👎
- hereticpride

And the Sabres. After we beat them in the playoffs they drifted like deadwood for awhile. The Staffords, pominvilles, Leinos

I never really understood Hextall's plan with keeping G, Jake & Simmonds here. The timelines were never going to match up.
- hereticpride

I was the only one who said they should trade Simmonds and Jake, and all of you freaked out at me.

"We can't trade Jake! He's our best forward right now!"

"We can't move Simmonds. He's the heart of the team! What would they be without him?"

All you (frank)ers! This is all YOUR fault for never accepting the inevitable!

I just don't buy that the issue was mismanagement by the GM. I'm not saying he was perfect or didn't make any mistakes but he was building a team by the draft. The process was still in it's infancy. The players that are the future of this team are just getting started. How can you judge that process just based on this season. The finished product is what really matters.
- MJL

You can still build through the draft and also add pieces that make a positive impact, whether it's coaches or players outside the org. Honest question...did Hextall do that in his tenure here? Did he add anyone which helped the team be greater than the sum of its parts?

I guess my point is, you still have to surround your great draft picks with the right coaches and players and systems, etc. What's the point of drafting kids if the product is 10 game losing streaks or this season?

Which draft pick in the top rounds that Hextall made do you disagree with? Provorov? Sanheim? Patrick? Konecny?

Tell me what you would've done differently and why?
- MJL

I keep asking..what is an acceptable time line for this turnaround?

I know you said the first three years didnt really count cause reasons and that this was year 1 of moving forward...keeping in mind its been 7 years since they won a playoff series.

AS a paying fan you are okay with going 10 years between playoff series wins?
- opeth_pa

Hextall hasn't been the GM for 7 years. Holmgren stepped down because one, his way of team building was no longer effective, and two, he didn't want to lose Hextall to another team. Hextall had to fundamentally change the organization. I'm as frustrated as anyone but when Hextall took over that reset the clock. I'm okay with it taking the time it's going to take to develop the players of the future.

Which draft pick in the top rounds that Hextall made do you disagree with? Provorov? Sanheim? Patrick? Konecny?

Tell me what you would've done differently and why?
- MJL

I have a feeling he's talking about more than just who was drafted in round 1

You can still build through the draft and also add pieces that make a positive impact, whether it's coaches or players outside the org. Honest question...did Hextall do that in his tenure here? Did he add anyone which helped the team be greater than the sum of its parts?

I guess my point is, you still have to surround your great draft picks with the right coaches and players and systems, etc. What's the point of drafting kids if the product is 10 game losing streaks or this season?
- feelingkettle

I don't think there was an issue with the coaches or the systems. It's a step by step process. Drafting and developing takes time. Hextall added veteran support players. He wasn't going to go out and trade draft picks or go nuts on the UFA market. Not until the time was right for it. The product last year was 3rd place in the Metro. They were moving forward. This team should be much better than it is.

if you wanted wheeling and dealing and big money spent in the UFA market then they should kept Holmgren in the GM spot. Again, Hextall was doing exactly what he said he was going to do. Hestall's approach was and still is the correct approach in my opinion.