Showing posts with label ron hextall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ron hextall. Show all posts

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Philadelphia Flyers: Danny Briere Part of Organizational Rebuild

Daniel Briere is the Philadelphia Flyers' new interim General Manager. As the Gatineau, Quebec, native said in today's press conference, he did not expect to gain this responsibility two days ago. 

Fans of this storied franchise and others across the hockey world know Briere by his nickname, Danny. The goodwill he earned appears more likely than not to lead to him being named the organization's full-time general manager in the near future. 

The Flyers are in the early stages of head coach John Tortorella correctly labeled a rebuild earlier this season. Chuck Fletcher, the recently relieved President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, was not hired in 2018 to rebuild the team but to quickly make it a Stanley Cup contender. 

Many factors caused the team to regress. What was seen as a one-person operation, led by former General Manager Ron Hextall, was replaced with a multi-person corporate effort. Neither formation worked. 

So, an announced split of Fletcher's positions into a President of Hockey Operations and a General Manager will happen. Briere's task, assuming he becomes the GM under whoever the new President of Hockey Operations is, will be to make steady progress and not backslide. 

Tortorella's praise for Briere during the season signaled organizational confidence. That, along with Comcast Spectacor's hire of Dan Hilferty as Chief Executive Officer, furthers significant internal changes to restore the Flyers to an elite team in the National Hockey League. 

Founder and Chairman Ed Snider died in 2016. No one and no internal group can ever replace what Snider created or become what he and those who worked for him represent. But all involved are striving toward restoring the reputation the Flyers held. 

Briere wore the Flyers uniform and various hats in the organization after he retired. He raised his sons in this area and made Philadelphia his home. Now, like others before him, Briere must translate his passion for the game, background in it, and a solid work ethic into achieving success on the ice and, eventually, in raising the ever-elusive third Stanley Cup.

The following was provided by the Flyers media relations department: 

Philadelphia Flyers Interim General Manager Daniel Briere

 

Hi everyone, Danny Briere here. First of all, I want to start by thanking Dave Scott for trusting me and giving me this opportunity. I had the chance to work with Dave closely with the Mariners when I started my career, my second career after stepping off the ice and then in the last couple of years too with the Flyers. I want to thank Chuck Fletcher as well for the chance, the opportunity of including me on the staff in the past season. It is a true honor to be in this role. I've been a Flyer for a big part of my career. I love the Flyers. I love the logo. I spent a lot of days, a lot of sweat, a lot of sacrifice here for this organization. It's a true honor to be in this position. It's also the city I call home. I've raised my kids here; that's what they consider their home. I'm very proud to be here, to live here, and to be part of this. All I can say at this point is that I want to do whatever I can to help finish the season and help prepare the right way. Put a plan in place hopefully for an important summer ahead of us.

 

Over the last couple of days, how have you navigated the emotions of Chuck getting fired, someone you work with closely, and earning the interim role?

It's been a little bittersweet, to be honest. I have so much respect for Chuck Fletcher. Anybody that has had the chance to work with him and under him the last few years will tell you, he is true gentleman. One of the nicest person in the hockey world. You know that side is tough. It's also the business of hockey. That's what we're in. I have a lot of respect for Chuck and I, again, thank him for giving me the opportunity. Then on the flip side, it's the excitement of being here, of representing the Flyers as Interim GM. It's a pretty cool moment. It's something that I'm extremely proud of. To be honest with you, it's something that will stay with me for a long, long time. This emotion of having that title is pretty special, to be honest.

 

With regards to the Flyers roster as a whole, over the last few weeks, John Tortorella and Chuck mentioned the importance of taking this slow and doing this the right way. In his comments about Chuck being removed, Dave Scott knew this is going to be a multiyear process. Obviously, you're the Interim GM. You're not the full time GM as of yet. Do you agree that fixing this and getting the Flyers on the right path is a multiyear process?

Yes, I do. That's my belief. It needs to be done the right way. At this point, I think that's what's needed. That's what's going to be important moving forward and not rushing to things. We're going to keep evaluating players. We’ll have a lot of discussions in which direction we're going to move, but there's no doubt that this is not a quick fix in my mind. I believe it's going to take a little while, but at the same time, it doesn't mean that we're going to do a full fire sale and have a complete new team next year. There's a lot of good players. There's a lot of good young players on this team. We've definitely gone on the younger side and I think it shows at times. It showed this year and it's going to show until the end of the year. We're a younger team. We maybe lack a little bit of experience. I think it's the right way to go at this time.

 

When we were talking to John Tortorella yesterday, he said that you have some pretty strong opinions about where you think this organization needs to go. What are some of the strong beliefs that you have and that you're able to do as you move forward here?

Well, I'm not going to get into player’s names and stuff like that at this point. I think it's a little too early for that. I have my own way of seeing things, obviously. I have my own opinions. I'm not gonna lie about that. Everybody sees things their own way differently and I do as well. I'm really looking forward to spending more time with the coaches, get their thoughts, and also our staff here on the second floor. I have some good people around me that I want their opinion and I'm going to talk to a lot of different people, moving forward, evaluating, and deciding on what the next few steps will be at this point. It's only been 48 hours. To be honest, we haven't dived really deep into any of that at this point. I'm just trying to survive those last 48 hours. My phone hasn't stopped buzzing for more than about three seconds. It was a little bit of survival mode the last couple of days.

 

I know you were involved in the interview process with John Tortorella when you guys were hiring this head coach. What did you like about his interview and what you've learned about him?

There was a lot to like about John. I think what really was striking for me was how he was going to rebuild the culture over here. Looking at the last couple years, it was tough to watch at times. I felt we were an easy team to play against. You don't realize how important culture is until you lose it. We interviewed a lot of great candidates, guys that were probably great coaches and could have done the job. In my mind, I felt John Tortorella was the perfect guy at this time to get us back on track and I really feel we've seen this. We've seen it this year. You look at not just the way we play, but talking also to players around the league, executives around the league, and they all say the same thing: The Flyers are tough to face. They might not have the most talent at this point. They might be a little inexperienced at this point. But man, it's tough to face you guys. We've heard that constantly over the year. I've been really proud of the players and our coaching staff, the way they enforce that and how tough they've made us to face the season. I think it was the right step in the process. The mentality is different around here, from what I've seen from the previous two years. It's really exciting. I think and I still believe that John was the perfect decision at this time for us.

 

Two questions. The first one, you’re obviously talking like someone who's gonna be a part of this decision-making for the long term, why the interim title? What do you do to get it full-time? Is it a try out for a few weeks or what exactly is going on with that?

Well, look, I think it's the right thing to do. I'm okay with it. I don't have a problem with the interim tag. I like that Dave and his staff are going to take the proper time to evaluate who should be full time in that position. You know, I see myself staying here and being part of the future. I hope they believe in me as well. It feels that way. I honestly don't have a problem with the tag. We'll see what happens next. Like I said, I'm honored to be here and to be in this position. I want to do everything possible to help put this this franchise on the right track at this point.

 

A quick follow up, a lot has been made of the senior advisors on the Flyers, the guys who've been around for decades now. Are they part of your decision-making? Do you see them playing kind of the same role in the past with that?

I don't know at this point. I am not sure. What I can tell you is I have a lot of respect for, I assume you're talking about Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber, and Paul Holmgren. I have a lot of respect for those guys for what they've accomplished in their career, both on and off the ice. Lots of respect. I've been in this position for 48 hours. I've had a quick chat with them. At this point, that's all that's happened. We'll see moving forward with what happens there.

 

There are two openings right now: President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. Does one of the two jobs appeal to you more than the other?

Well, I have the GM part in my title, so that's kind of what I'm going with at this point. I haven't really thought about President. At this point, I probably see myself as the GM, I would say, but I would be open to whatever Dave and Dan would see fit. It really doesn't matter to me.

 

As a quick follow up, Chuck Fletcher did not like the word rebuild when he talked about the future. Is that something that you don't like to use too? Or do you see this as a rebuild?

Not at all. I believe it's needed. We have to be careful, and I want to make sure that rebuild doesn't mean fire sale. There's a big difference between the two. I want to make that clear. We're not going to get rid of everybody. We have some good players here. Some players that are in certain roles that we're going to keep as well. We're going to look at every possible option out there to improve the team. I don't think this is a quick fix. That's my belief and that's why I'm not afraid to use the word rebuild. As long as you all understand, those little asterix, that it's not a fire sale. It doesn't mean fire sale for me.

 

Danny, what are kind of your primary focuses over the next couple of months heading into the off-season, Draft and does having the interim tag impact any of that?

Well, the next few things, it's helping John, his staff finish the season strong. Obviously, I know a lot of the players, but I'll have the chance to maybe dive a little deeper with his coaching staff and the people upstairs around me. Have deeper discussions on evaluating players and what the next few steps moving forward. At the same time, the draft is going to be a key opportunity for us to improve our team for the future. The reality is, unfortunately, we're not going to make the playoffs most likely this season. We're going to be positioned pretty well to add a key quality player for the future of this franchise. That's going to be important the next couple months to send the proper people in the right place to see us who's out there. Make sure we make the right pick. That's also going to be a key responsibility of my job.

 

You are the interim GM, but are you empowered if there were changes in the front office, either additions or subtractions that you're allowed to make?

That's a discussion that I need to have with Dave and Dan, but I believe so. At this time, it's not about rocking the boat. It's more about evaluating everybody that's in place, evaluating our players, finishing the season strong and being a help to the players and staff and everybody around me. Try to get everything on track finishing off. I'm not looking to change anything drastically right at this moment. I've had this job for 48 hours. It's not going to happen overnight. This is going to be a long process. Just like we've talked about doing things the right way, I think it applies also with everybody on the staff, not just the players.

 

It's pretty clear based on our conversation this morning that you would like to ultimately be named the GM. That said, you've only been an official member on the front office as a special assistant for a little over a year. What gives you the confidence that you have the necessary experience to take on that role for the players?

Oh, there's no doubt in my mind that I can do the job. I'm going to have some great people around me as well. It's not something that I'm going to do alone. I was never a player that worked alone. I always believed in team first, team mentality first, and it's going to be the same approach on this side. I love working with people and it's going to be the same way moving forward now. Even when I played as a player, I was always someone that studied my opponents, also studied my GMs, and what they were doing and whether the other GMs were doing. I probably started doing that a little deeper when I got to Buffalo, the way the Darcy Regier kind of built a young team that went to a couple back-to-back Conference Finals. I came here, learned a lot under Paul Holmgren as well, where we were a lot closer, maybe when I arrived to winning the Stanley Cup, but it was also coming off a year where we finished last, I believe, the year before I got here, and how he was able to rebuild that team. I went to Montreal with Marc Bergevin where he also had to rebuild the character of his team. In the year that I was there, I was able to take a team to the Conference Final as well and then to Joe Sakic in Colorado. I got there early in the process; they were just the latest Stanley Cup Champions. I was there early in the process when that rebuild was being made. Now I like to think that I was able to help some of the young guys because I was at the end of my career. More of in leadership role, little less responsibilities on the ice. I felt that I was there more for leadership, but I also saw how things were being built at that time. Since then, I've tried to follow how teams were building their teams. I've also learned on the business side, different things that you don't realize as a player, how everything works in front offices. It's been a great process. Yeah, maybe I was hired officially under Chuck in the past year, but my journey has started a long, long time ago. I've always been someone that pays attention to what's going on, how processes are being done, and how I could use it if one day I'd be in that position. I'm not gonna lie, it's something that I saw myself do from early on when I was playing. I always believed that I could be in this position one day. Again, it’s why it's so special and so exciting for me.

 

First, as Adam was referencing, the still is relatively new to you in the front office and you were talking about your preparation for it. But in your mind, how important is it as there's a search for a team president is there to have somebody with high degree of experience in a front office role? Or does it really kind of depend on who the candidate is?

Why I think there's many ways to go about that. That would be more of a question for Dave Scott and Dan Hilferty. I don't want to put words in their mouth that whatever they decide. It might be someone that can help in a day-to-day decision, or maybe it's someone else that we find in a different role. I'm not sure. That would be more of a question for them.

 

Chuck in one of his last press conferences was talking about how he's not planning a fire sale. He mentioned a number of young players as a group that in his mind were growing and continue to build on key guys like Noah Cates, Owen Tippett, Cam York, Morgan Frost and maybe a couple other guys. In your mind, is that the group that go in each day individually? Are these guys that you're looking to continue to grow as an organization?

Well, what I would say to that is our young guys have a lot of value to us. At the same time, we're not in the position to not listen to anyone. The young guys are not the guys that we would be shopping, obviously. Yes, I have been really impressed in the development of the guys that you've mentioned under John Tortorella. That's the really exciting part for me. Seeing some of the young guys take a step this year. In the last few days seeing also guys like Elliot Desnoyers and Tyson Foerster come up and hold their own. Gives us a lot of hope moving forward. They're all going to be part of the evaluating process. As you've seen, there's no one that's untouchable anywhere. If Wayne Gretzky can be traded, anyone can. But obviously, some players have more value than others and I'm not going to deny that.

 

I don't know if you know this yet or not. As far as Brent Flahr, is he going to be around? Is he going to be the leader of the Draft? And moving forward, is he going to be on the staff here?

That's my expectation. I have a great relationship with Brent. He's been tremendous. He's included me on everything since I started working with Chuck. I have a lot of confidence in Brent. You look at his track record at the draft. It's pretty impressive. So yeah, I would say so.

 

The timing was a bit curious, right after the trade deadline. How active were you in trade discussions? If this was going to happen, would you'd rather had it before the deadline to get a full crack at shaping the roster that way?

I didn't even think of that. I was trying to help as much as I could at the deadline like everybody else. That's really not my decision. It happened 48 hours ago. I'm ecstatic. I'm so happy and honored to be here. I'm not questioning what was done before or when the decisions were made. To me, it's moving forward. Looking to this day and moving forward. That's what I'm excited about.

 

Have you been given any idea what kind of timeframe Dave and Dan have to hire full time people? Obviously, your interview started 48 hours ago and it's going to be ongoing. Have they given you any ideas of when they want to have full time people in those two positions?

No, I don't know what the timeline is at this point. I have the feeling, or I was kind of led to believe that it's not going to be something that's going to drag into next season. I don't know the timeline of things. I'm sure they're going to reach out to people and talk to different people. Hopefully, the decision is made soon.

 

Last year, we were talking about the development. This season has been a big year for the Phantoms with a lot of young players taking bigger bites of the team. Do you feel that that is on the right track? Or do you think that that still needs to be accelerated?

That's a good question. Something we're going to evaluate deeper. At the same time, I think Lappy has done a great job preparing these guys when they were called up. Like you mentioned, they've done a really good job coming up and helping. You look in the case of Cam York, I remember beginning of the year when we sent them down, you would have thought that was the end of his career. Even though it wasn't easy for him, it was a tough time. He battled through. I was really impressed on how he got through that and how Lappy’s staff was able to get him back on track, work with him, and how good he's been since he got called up. He's playing heavy minutes for us in our top four and on the power play. It's been an impressive process, so it's got to be part of the evaluation.

 

You've come across like trying to find your feet a little bit. Were you surprised when you got the call?

A little bit, obviously. You don't go to work expecting the person you work for to be fired. Like I said, the last 48 hours it's been a little crazy. Lots of people reaching out. Lots of friends reaching out. I couldn't keep up and I apologize to everyone if I haven't had the chance to get back to you yet. It's been a little crazy. I know I'm repeating myself and I apologize for that, but it's been pretty amazing. It's quite an honor. I’m trying to survive at this point the last 48 hours.

Monday, December 17, 2018

Philadelphia Flyers' Era Shift - Dave Hakstol Departs, Cart Hart Arrives


This isn't what Ron Hextall, or Dave Hakstol projected a little less than one week before Christmas, 2018. Both men, now equally relieved of their orange and black duties, have taken the fall while the players remain, or at least those goalies who are healthy.

Who would have bet heavy that Michal Neuvirth would still be employed, and that Carter Hart would be recalled, while Hextall and Hakstol were looking for work?

Scott Gordon is a good, potentially temporary choice as the Flyers interim coach. The Lehigh Valley Phantoms fourth-year chief knows the organIzation and many of its young players, including Hart, who could be a short-term recall, meaning as short as one game. He could also stick longer, depending upon existing goalie(s), or a to-be-obtained netminder.

Chuck Fletcher has done what he felt he had too, just as Paul Holmgren did a few weeks ago. And now the team goes on.

Another lost season, as the always elusive third Stanley Cup won't be won this June? Probably. But what else can fans gone wobbly in recent weeks, months, seasons do except hope that their team improves, ever...so...slowly, if that what it is to do from this point on.
(Hakstol via my own photo. Hart, via the LHV Phantoms.)


Flyers press release regarding Hakstol and Gordon: 
The Philadelphia Flyers have relieved head coach Dave Hakstol of his duties and have named Scott Gordon the interim head coach of the team, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Chuck Fletcher.

Gordon is in his fourth season as the head coach of the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He was named to the position on July 13, 2015. In 254 games with the Phantoms, Gordon has a record of 144-86-15. He led the club back to the playoffs in 2017 after a seven-season absence, and in 2018 guided the Phantoms to the AHL’s Eastern Conference Finals.

Gordon was the head coach of the New York Islanders for parts of three seasons (2008-09 to 2010-11), and also served as the head coach of the Providence Bruins, the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins, from 2002-2008 after working as an assistant there for two seasons.  Gordon’s 2004-05 team reached the AHL’s Eastern Conference Finals, where it lost to the then-Philadelphia Phantoms, the eventual Calder Cup champion that season. His 2007-08 team finished with the AHL’s best regular-season record in that campaign, going 55-18-7.

Prior to joining the Phantoms, Gordon was an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2011-2014. He also has head coaching experience in the ECHL with Roanoke (1998-2000) and was an assistant coach in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (Quebec, 1996-98) and the International Hockey League (Atlanta, 1994-96).

Hakstol was in his fourth season as the head coach of the Flyers after being hired on May 18, 2015. He posted a record of 134-101-42 in 277 games.

Flyers press release regarding Hart: 
The Philadelphia Flyers have recalled goaltender Carter Hart from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms; have reassigned goaltender Alex Lyon to Lehigh Valley; and have placed goaltender Anthony Stolarz on injured reserve, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Chuck Fletcher. Hart will be available for Tuesday night’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, wearing #79. 

Hart, 20 (8/13/1998), is in his first professional season. He’s appeared in 17 games for the Phantoms, posting a record of 9-5-2 with a 3.05 GAA and a .901 save percentage. Hart has won four of his last five games, going 4-1 with a 1.80 GAA, .939 save percentage and one shutout since November 30.

A 6-2, 181-lb native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Hart turned pro this season following a five-year career with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League, where he became the first two-time winner of the Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Year Award.  Hart first earned the honors following the 2016-17 season when he was 32-11-2 with a 1.99 GAA and .927 save percentage in 54 appearances. He improved upon those numbers in winning the award last season, posting a 31-6-3 record with a 1.60 GAA and .947 save percentage in 41 games while guiding the Silvertips to the WHL final for only the second time in the franchise’s history.

Hart was a member of Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championships in both 2017 and 2018. He played in four games in 2017, helping Canada to the silver medal with a 2.38 GAA and .906 save percentage.  In 2018, Hart posted a 1.81 GAA and .930 save percentage in six games to help Team Canada win the gold medal. 

Hart was selected by the Flyers in the second round (48th overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook and connecting on Twitter @SeanyOB.

Monday, November 26, 2018

Ron Hextall's Firing - Philadelphia Flyers' Next Steps Await



Ron Hextall's firing was surprising, but not truly a stunner when the news is peeled and depending upon one's perspective.

If Philadelphia Flyers' followers have been questioning head coach Dave Hakstol this season, or in recent seasons, they also know who hired him.

If issues about the team's ongoing goaltending problems have been chewed at length, again, fans know who approved of Brian Elliott's contract and that of Michal Neuvirth's.

If orange and black devotees believe that the team doesn't have enough talent on its NHL roster, or that said prospects aren't available to fill holes, they also know who made those forward, defense, and goaltending calls.

Fans also understand that Hextall guided the organization to positive salary cap territory. That, along with a series of obtained draft picks, provided a good hand to whatever GM is hired next.

President Paul Holmgren's thoughts, via the team's press release on the day of Hextall's termination was as follows, "The Flyers organization has decided to relieve Ron Hextall of his duties as Executive Vice President and General Manager. We thank Ron for his many significant contributions, but it has become clear that we no longer share the same philosophical approach concerning the direction of the team. In light of these differences, we feel it's in the organization's best interests to make a change, effective immediately. I have already begun a process to identify and select our next General Manager, which we hope to complete as soon as possible."
(Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Flyers.)
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My own experience in interviewing Hextall was pleasant. The arguably second-greatest goaltender in team history, trailing only Hall of Famer Bernie Parent, was up front, honest, and reflective.

Rather than offer any detailed take on what's happened, I'll instead choose to observe what happens during the remainder of this season and in the next few years. Yes, that's not standard in an age where people's instant (often emotionally-based) reactions are encouraged and perceived as some type of right. My take reflects my principals and allows all involved parties to be offered respect for efforts and decisions made.

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook and connecting on Twitter @SeanyOB.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Behind the NHL scenes: Philadelphia Flyers verses Ottawa Senators



(The Zamboni prepares the ice at the Wells Fargo Center approximately an hour before game time.)

Introductions

Most preseason predictions didn't have the Philadelphia Flyers making the playoffs this season. Rookie head coach Dave Hakstol was an unknown factor, having left the college ranks in North Dakota to work in a high-profile East Coast hockey town. His impressive collegiate career and demeanor convinced the Flyers' brass that he deserved a shot.

There's no way to know how a Craig Berube-coached team would have performed this year. Would the addition of Shayne Gostisbehere in the early part of the season and the increased masked differential that Michal Neuvirth offered, verses Ray Emery, have resulted in a similar playoff push reality this April? It's debatable. However, the very unusual move of removing 'Chief', while retaining his entire staff, to assist Hakstol's National Hockey League transition, can't be overlooked.

General manager Ron Hextall, who worked through his first year last season, evaluated everything and made a gutsy decision. An organization that has been known and harshly criticized for its loyalty, changed direction, replacing a Flyer with an outsider. Hextall's patient approach defies the on-ice demeanor that he exhibited when he embodied number 27 in and around the crease during a 13-year hockey career.

Philadelphia's short-term future may include a playoff appearance this spring, but even if it doesn't, depth within the lower levels is real. Similar to the 1980's teams, continued infusions of youth will repopulate the roster for cascading future seasons. And with that, it appears that the Flyers are building toward perpetual contention and therefore, a realistic chance at the ever-elusive third Stanley Cup ring.

First period

Steve Mason started in goal, again. Andrew Hammond led the Senators, who were recently eliminated from playoff contention, as were all of the Canadian teams. That rare seasonal distinction, among non-United States teams, was last realized during the 1969-70 campaign.

This period wasn't flat, but the teams basically took turns appearing in each other's end of the ice, with little sustained high-percentage opportunities. Each goalie made a few decent saves, but the shot total (Flyers 10 - Senators 9) reflected an even frame and produced a double goose egg on the scoreboard.

Second period

Wayne Simmonds tipped Jake Voracek's intentionally aimed blue line shot past Hammond at 1:30 into the period. It was his twenty-seventh of the season. The power play goal gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead.

Then, on a another man-advantage, Sean Couturier poked in a puck that Brayden Schenn initially attempted to push past Ottawa's goal line. Assists went to Schenn and Simmonds. It was Coot's eleventh of the season.

Chris Neil was assessed with a 10-minute misconduct penalty (17:35) just prior to Mike Zibanejad blowing a shot past Mason's left pad, at close range, with 2:12 left in frame. His nineteenth goal was assisted by Mike Hoffman and Cody Ceci.

The Flyers headed into the final period of their last game of this season against the Senators with the thinnest of leads. The two-period result wasn't surprising, as these Eastern Conference occupants split their first two games earlier in the hockey year, both of which were played at the Canadian Tire Centre north of the border.

Third period

Simmonds scored his second power play goal of the game (and twenty-eighth overall) at 7:15, with assists to Voracek and Schenn. This important tally gave the Flyers breathing room, putting them up by two over the Sens. Ceci's earlier penalty enabled his team to fall into this 3-1 hole. Will Simmer break the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career? With five games to go, it's surely possible that he reaches that impressive mark.

Radko Gudas earned two-minute minor penalties (11:34) for interference and slashing during a scrum that saw Neil tagged with two minutes of roughing time. Hoffman subsequently scored his twenty-eighth of the season 12:28 on the ensuing power play, with assists to Erik Karlsson and Bobby Ryan. However, it wasn't enough as the Flyers held on to win 3-2. Ottawa's 36-35 shot advantage underscored the evenness of the battled that ensued.

The win pushed the Flyers (91) to within two points of the New York Islanders (93), who were shutout by the Pittsburgh Penguins (98 points). Philadelphia, the eighth-ranked team in the Eastern Conference, and New York (seventh-ranked) have five games remaining on their schedules. These longtime rivals play each other at the Wells Fargo Center in the last game of the season on April 10, which is a makeup of an earlier snowed-out contest.

After the horn sounded



Hakstol was his normal disciplined self in the post-game presser. With his daughter and a member of the Flyers' PR staff, Joe Seville, standing off to the side, the first-year head coach reviewed the game with the preciseness of a grizzled bench boss. Hextall's man clearly has implemented a team-wide style that plays shift-by-shift, period-by-period and game-by-game. A playoff berth is in the offing with ten possible points to gain. Detroit, ninth in the Conference, sits just outside Wild Card position, with 89 points and four games showing on its 2015-16 docket, and Boston, who lags just behind the Red Wings as of today.

When asked by the media about defending a one-goal lead late in a game, Hakstol said, “Mentality and the ability to stay aggressive and stay on your toes. That’s exactly what that shift says. We kept it in the offensive zone, we kept the clock winding without a whole lot of whistles as we went down the stretch. Because of that we were able to stay on our toes and stay aggressive and that’s exactly what Belley’s line did on that shift.”

Mason's play has been key to the Flyers' surge. After the game he said, “A lot of what I’m doing has to do with the guys in front. I think overall we’re playing real solid hockey and in turns makes my job a lot easier. We’re scoring goals at probably our best clip of the year too, so that also helps. We’re still in tight games, but we’re having the confidence for guys that they’re going to find the back of the net and that’s a nice thing for a goaltender to have, knowing that the guys are going to come through for you and more than anything like I said earlier it’s fun coming to the rink and expecting to play.”

Speaking about the playoff push, Giroux said, “I think we’ve been doing a good job. We were maybe what eight points off maybe two months ago. We told ourselves to focus on our game, how we play, and we’ve been doing that so I’m not too sure what the game was with Pittsburgh and the Islanders, but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter to us, so we just have to be ready for next game.”

Philadelphia's relentless push since February has earned the organization kudos across the League. Their opportunity to play post-season hockey isn't an accident. No, Hextall, Hakstol, his coaching staff and the orange iced boys have earned a chance to shine. Next up is tomorrow's game against the Penguins in Pittsburgh.

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Saturday, March 19, 2016

Behind the hockey scenes: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins



Today's behind-the-scenes report will be different than past efforts. Instead of providing total game details, I want to blend the past, present and future together.

Introductions

After the standard security check-in, similar to what paying fans experience at the gate, early press arrivals head to the Balcony Level, where the media's workspace exists. After setting up, lunch down at the Event Floor level with Philadelphia Flyers' staff takes place. The TV and radio announcers along with former National Hockey League faces, scouts, etc., can also be seen eating a nice lunch before game time. Then, back up the elevator shaft to finish preparations for the early-afternoon game.

Peering down at the Wells Fargo Center arena (as the lead photo to this feature shows), ghosts of the Spectrum are evoked prior to the start of an unexpectedly crucial mid-March game. Playoff implications were in play for both Eastern Conference teams today. Ron Hextall, the hero of 1987, was watching aside of the press level location where I was stationed. He, more than any current player, appears to be demonstrating the ability to create extended shots at Stanley Cup III. If Philadelphia had defeated the greatest offensive team of all-time, the Edmonton Oilers, in the spring of 1987, would Hextall be the Flyers' general manager today? An unknowable answer that will be revisited later.

Organizational loyalty, faulted by many for the team's inability to hoist Lord Stanley's prize, is never noted when Gene Hart's daughter, Lauren, looks to the skies. And, with the National Anthem sung to perfection once more, the players, the officials, and the fans became the focus this Saturday afternoon on the last day of winter 2016.

The big pre-game news involved Jake Voracek's return to action, as he'd been missing since last month due to injury. Steve Mason, who started in place of expected starter Michal Neuvirth, looked from one crease across the Philly pond at Marc-Andre Fleury as the opening face-off ensued.

First period

The Pens outshot the Flyers 11-4. Some penalty kills proved to be the only 'highlight's' of the frame.

The enduring passion of the fans has underscored the true success of this franchise. Seven appearances in the Cup Final since the last moment of glory in 1975, and yet sellouts, or mostly filled buildings, have been seen ever since. This blueprint (correction, orange print) shows how every business should honor its customers.

Second period

Radko Gudas scored his fourth goal of the season to break the double shutout at 1:58 into the period. Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds assisted. But, the lead only lasted slightly over a minute, as Trevor Daley scored his fifth goal of the year (at 2:59), as assisted by Nick Bonino and Eric Fehr.

Carl Hagelin scored his ninth goal of the season at 16:56, assisted by Bonino, to give the Pens a 2-1 lead. Then, with 1:35 remaining in the frame, Chris Kunitz scored his fifteenth, with assists credited to Sidney Crosby and Patric Hornqvist. Pittsburgh was thoroughly dominating, posting 25 shots, to Philadelphia’s eight, at that point in the game.

The 25-9 shot split, which showed on the scoreboard, belied a tough challenge heading into the third. To this point, it seemed that the Flyers' recent playoff push had an energy zapping effect. More importantly, the Pens were up to today's task.

Third period

An apparent late Pens' goal took place with 1:38 remaining and a Masonless net. However, the play was reviewed. Kris Letang received credit for the tally (his fourteenth of the season), with assists to Kunitz and Crosby. And, the game ended in a 4-1 victory for the Flyers' cross-state rival.

Pittsburgh stymied Philadelphia's offensive attempts, as the Flyers had minimal opportunity in the center zone from the defensive blue line through to the opposing net. Philadelphia's solid shot totals in recent weeks allowed their goal differential to be cut to -4 (185 goals allowed, 181 goals scored) before today's game. That mark probably must be pushed to double-digits (on the positive side) if even the eighth playoff space is able to be colored orange by April 10, which is the last scheduled game of the regular season.

The Penguins now have 86 points (11 games remaining) and currently hold a Metropolitan Divisional spot. The Flyers stay at the 80 point mark (12 games remaining) and are one point behind the Detroit Red Wings, who play the Florida Panthers tonight. 

Takeaways


Down the media-packed freight elevator after the final horn. We meander our way toward the locker room and then to the post-game presser with Hakstol. His workman like demeanor, seen in full view after games, is what this developing group needs. Hextall's choice of the former North Dakota coach is proving to be sound. Hakstol appears to maintain a balanced view of present circumstances and future goals.

He advised that Voracek's first game back was what he expected. His 9:46 TOI reflected the first reconditioning segment. Future games will allow him to regain skating legs and endurance after suffering an ankle injury in February. Neuvirth's situation wasn't defined as being connected to a recent team flu bug, or to injury. His status will be further defined by Monday, at the latest.

The head coach began his presser by saying, “Well, I think they played a good hockey game. It was a day where we couldn’t find any energy and we just couldn’t get ourselves going in the right direction. Obviously, it comes at a bad time and against the wrong team, but that’s what it is. We looked like we had spent a lot of energy, maybe a lot of emotional energy, on the back to backs with Detroit and Chicago. We just couldn’t find that same energy tonight, so we got to put it behind us real quick and get back at it.”

Claude Giroux, speaking about the Flyers' effort said, "...maybe it looked like the effort wasn’t there, but it was there. The last month and a half I think we have been playing some really good hockey. You are going to have games like tonight where it is not going your way. A lot of frustration on our part. You are going to have games like that. Like I have said before, we aren’t going to win every game for the rest of the season. It is going to be how we are going to respond to this. This year, well the last two months, we have been doing a good job when we get a tough loss we always bounce back."

Voracek, commenting on his return, said, “No. I don’t want to say the percentage wise, but I was still favoring a little bit of the left leg. It didn’t eliminate me as much as my hands did today. I think  I coughed up a couple of pucks, which I expected it was going to happen and we have to find a way to help the team to win a game the next time.”

Mason, commenting on his unexpected call to start said, "That’s just the nature of the position sometimes. Sometimes you get called on short notice. That’s kind of why you prepare everyday as if you were going to play."

The Flyers travel to play the New York Islanders on Monday. Like the Pens, the Isles are also ahead of the Flyers in the standings and are in playoff position as of this weekend. Philadelphia's strong push from February through St. Patrick's Day week merely made a post-season spot possible. This team's work will remain hard through its last 12 games.

My own experience as a modest freelancer is always ready to be offered as proof of how generous this NHL organization is. It doesn't have to allow me, and my fellow freelance colleagues, access. Yet, it does. An initial interview I conducted with Bernie Parent opened the doors for me. That connection developed through a friend (Dan Morroni) and then, as he told me, I took it from there. Chances do present themselves in life. When they arise, taking them doesn't always result in lasting success. However, not making the effort back then would almost certainly have led nowhere.

A final glance from the inside

Up the elevator once again with various scribes. Passed Dave Brown, Flyers' Director of Player Personnel, after arriving at Press Level. Brown's hockey player presence disappeared with the mild-mannered well-wish he offered me as we passed. A fitting send-off to today's experience, as nearly five seasons behind-the-hockey scenes have allowed me to increasingly learn what the hockey world is all about. From the beginning, through today, I've enjoyed sharing these experiences with readers who live in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and elsewhere across the globe.

And, as I prepare to leave, the arena isn't empty. A final glance over my packed bag shows two local teams cutting the ice below.

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOBthrough Facebook, or on LinkedIn

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Philadelphia Flyers: Season finale calls for off-season preview


A generally listless first period was seen as the Philadelphia Flyers hosted the Ottawa Senators at the Wells Fargo Center. A generally full crowd applauded the season-ending team awards, reaffirming organizational excellence on the public relations side of the ledger. Yet, what happens for (at least) 60 minutes, 82 times per season is why the franchise exists. And, a third Stanley Cup parade still appears to be a dream in April 2015.


The late-Gene Hart, who called both Stanley Cup victories (1973-74, 1974-75), always ended his broadcasts with a phrase that became his signature. But, I'll save this finale homage for later in this post.

Final game overview

Mark Stone's power play goal came at 6:06. The easy tap into the half-yawning net symbolized many tallies seen this season. Steve Mason had no shot to stop the puck due to his own misplay, which was a rarity. Often, his own defense let him down this season. 

Matt Read's eighth tally of an injury-filled season tied the game at 1-1 at 1:23 into the second period. But, a later-second frame goal by Jean-Gabriel Pageau gave Dave Cameron's team the lead again. Stone's second goal of the game, midway through the third, sealed the Flyers' fate. 

The end-game celebration was all Ottawa in the Flyers' house, as the Senators are heading to the playoffs next week. 

So, Philadelphia finishes the season 33-31-18 (84 points). The ten point drop from 2013-14's mark (42-30-10, 94 points) is telling.

Inherited issues, to a degree


The squad Berube inherited, after Peter Laviolette's quick pink slip was received three games into the season, finished ninth overall in team offense. Defensively, they finished twentieth in the League. This year the Flyers' offense ranked twenty-second, their defense placed twenty-fourth.

Berube noted after the game that everyone is responsible for wins and losses. So, with that, he assumes partial ownership of this season's outcome. Whether general manager Ron Hextall decides to replace Berube with his own guy 
remains to be seen.


Claude Giroux, Jake Voracek, Steve Mason and a handful of other players form a decent core that needs to be supplemented by developing prospects (when they are ready) and key veterans up front and on the blue line. 


Last summer's moves, especially the trade of Scott Hartnell, hurt short-term goal scoring. But, that move, along with the in-season deals of Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn were made with the long view in mind.

Reasonable projections

As for next season, further moves that open the way for a volume of Flyers' prospects are sure to be attempted, if not completed, before the puck drops next season. Along with the annual NHL draft and the addition of some veteran players, the off-season is sure to provide further intrigue.

Good night Gene

At the end of every game, Hart would offer what came to be his signature verbal signoff. When it was uttered at any season's final game, which came most-often after a playoff series ended, the words were bittersweet. And so, it's fitting that the last 2014-15 regular season Insight post ends by quoting that kind-hearted, beloved hockey man. "Good night and good hockey."

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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup and Philadelphia Phillies note

Over ----2.9 Million---- hits since my first Yahoo story was published on 2/1/11. The influence of positive social media friends matters.


All Yahoo Sports/News/Voices page can be found here:
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Stanley Cup


Full congrats to the Los Angeles Kings on their first Cup victory.

Having had the chance to talk with Ron Hextall at the Winter Classic Alumni game, I couldn't be happier for him and for all of the former Flyers who have earned this great (and unexpected) victory.
Enjoy it my friends.


Phillies

Chase Utley is getting ready down in Clearwater. Who knows where the Phillies will be in the standings by the time he returns to Philly (likely later this month).


Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.


Hockey


Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like: The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed.


Thank you for clicking on any of my Yahoo sports articles that are shown below:

Five traits old school Flyers fans possess

Five traits of hardcore Phillies fans


My interview with Flyers' Hall of Famer Bernie Parent





Thank you for also clicking on one, or more, of my Yahoo Voices articles that are shown below:

Model Management Agency - MMA Has Another Rising Star in Megan Irminger

A model's life: An interview with Kourtney Reppert
Behind the scenes of the modeling world: An interview with Ellen Wasser-Hrin - MMA/Model Management Agency




 

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