Flyers Weekly Mailbag: The past, present and future

USATSI_10708640_168382939_lowres

It’s the same old story, and the same old song and dance with the Philadelphia Flyers these days. One game they win, and the next game they lose. Finding a rhythm to the madness this time of year is key to any playoff caliber team. This is one thing that is missing from this years Flyers…consistency, consistency, consistency.

The Flyers have exceeded most peoples’ expectations this season. Being a fringe team on the cusp of a playoff berth…yes. However, contending for first place in the Metropolitan Division how about a big fat no. Even though, the orange and black only sit six points out first place. It’s still a remarkable feat what they have been able to do this season. Without further delay, here are our answers to your questions.

Tom you’re an awesome Flyers fan. Dedicated and a die-hard. Thanks for your continued support. Jordan Weal’s play deserved him a one game benching. I would personally have liked to see Taylor Leier take his spot for that time frame, but oh well. Jori Lehtera should be bought out at years end. I would now re-insert Weal into the lineup, and place Lehtera in the press box. The only justification Head Coach Dave Hakstol has for his defense of Lehtera playing is penalty killing. However, their numbers on the PK are horrid, although it’s been better here as of late. Here is a question with answer from Hakstol’s press conference (You can view the live feed from my Twitter account) following the win against the Winnipeg Jets this past Saturday:

Lehtera wasn’t playing nearly as well as he played today. What did you see in him that makes him a good option for fourth line?

“He does so many good little things. I said it the other day. He just goes out and does his job every single day. His game is becoming more and more effective it seems like every game. I thought tonight he was an effective player. He has an ability. He is very detailed no matter the number of minutes he plays. No matter if it’s five on five or a little bit of PK, or full blown PK which he has been for us as of late. Guys like that in the dressing room and on the bench are invaluable. They go out onto the ice and do everything right and that helps build the confidence of your team.”

Paul Walker- When will Haks be replaced?

Paul thanks so much for the question. Your support is amazing especially coming ftom a die hard Flyers fan. If the Flyers don’t make the playoffs he will more than likely be replaced at years end. However, if the orange and black make the playoffs and are a third seed at that. Honestly, I can foresee him being here beyond next season. Especially, if they manage to make it out of the first round of the playoffs.

General Manager Ron Hextall has made it quite clear this is Hakstol’s team at least for this season. The playoffs (or lack thereof), will determine Hakstol’s fate.

Brian Geese- Who starts in goal in the playoffs? That is if we make it! (I believe that we will).

Brian your awesome. Love your support, and your love for the Flyers. Brian Elliott will be tabbed as the starter for the playoffs. He is two weeks away, but he was the starter to start the season, so he will finish it. Hopefully, Elliott is able to get a few games under his belt before the regular season ends, so he could be fresh for the playoffs.

Reg woohoo this is a smoking hot question. Geez, “Its getting hot in here.” You’re a passionate, good Flyers fan. Unfortunately, Morgan Frost has to make the big club outright, as he cannot play for the Phantoms next season. Frost will only be 19 years old at the time the season starts. A player has to be 20 years old in order to play in the AHL.

With that being said the Flyers will be handcuffed with a decision of Mikhail Vorobyev, and Frost as two possible replacements for Valtteri Filppula. If I’m the Flyers whoever has the better training camp/pres-season would get the nod. Unfortunately, Frost may only be able to play in one pre-season game, before he would have to return to his junior club in the Soo Greyhounds.

If I’m the Flyers we should be patient with Frost. There’s no need to rush him as Vorobyev appears to be NHL ready. The same goes for Frost apparently, however it wouldn’t be a bad thing to see him go back to his junior club. Is there much more he could do at the junior level…no. But, juniors is far different from the NHL. Maybe the Flyers could enhance his skills by giving him more objectives to achieve at the junior level.

There’s no easy answer here, but I would go with Vorobyev next season. I would hate to rush the young, as it could hinder their development. What we may perceive as being NHL ready, the player may not be mentally ready for the next step. Please don’t twist my words, I would be comfortable with either Frost or Vorobyev at the helm next season. Just wanted to be as honest as possible.

If you would like to see your questions submitted in our weekly mailbag. Just submit your question on our Facebook page or on Twitter using the #Flyersmail. Thanks to all the fans for another great mailbag, and Let’s go Flyers. Without your support we wouldn’t be here today.

 

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports