Philadelphia Flyers: Fans React To Deadline.
Philadelphia Flyer fans are a passionate bunch. Let’s see how they feel trade deadline day went down. Flyer’s fans headed to Twitter to tell the hockey world how they felt about Ron Hextall’s deadline deals.
The day started off with the Flyers agreeing to terms with Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Michal Neuvirth who both signed two-year extensions. Bellemare received more good news being named an alternate captain, replacing former assistant Mark Streit.
The Flyers’ fourth line center is a clear part of the Philadelphia Flyers leadership core and a key member in the locker room.
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare has been given more defensive responsibility this season. In fact, by the way he and defensive specialist Sean Couturier have been used, it’s difficult to tell who is the Flyers’ No. 1 shutdown center.- Sam Carchidi
@bellsy78 good for him. A lot of people are hard on him. He leaves it all on the ice and he leads by example. Well deserved!
— Chris Jones (@Cujo1616) March 2, 2017
Yes, it shows PHI values Bellemare way more than fans think they should, but org already made that point yesterday by re-signing him.
— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) March 2, 2017
Bellemare is the Marquis de Lafayette to our revolutionary Flyers re-build. We need him to help out Claude Giroux (Washington). #FlyersTalk
— Drew Pabhsky (@DrewPabhsky) March 2, 2017
Bellemare, much like the Marquis de Lafayette who left France for America to lead in the Revolutionary War against England. Hopefully, Frenchman Bellemare has the same kind of success leading the Philadelphia Flyers to victory.
Michal Neuvirth’s two-year extension raised some eyebrows within the Flyers fan base, receiving mixed reviews.
Key point here is why *now* for Neuvirth? Guy is having the worst year of his career. Flyers had all the leverage, and ended up with this.
— Kurt (@Kurt_BSH) March 1, 2017
Extending Neuvirth and Bellemare? I don't get it. GM Ron Hextall could have the worst trade-deadline day since . . . Bryan Colangelo.
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) March 1, 2017
I like the Neuvirth signing. 1st year, starter with Stolarz as backup. 2nd year, Stolarz starts. Then maybe look to see where Hart is at.
— Rick (@RB_Third) March 1, 2017
General Manager Ron Hextall felt uncomfortable heading into this off-season with neither of his goaltenders under contract, saying “that is a recipe for disaster.” Hextall continued on by saying, “So we felt like this one was a reasonable deal, a reasonable term.”
“This gives us flexibility,” Hextall said. “We had one choice before and now we have two. We have a goalie we feel very comfortable with. Neuvy has done a good job.”“Obviously, the injuries, we talked about that. If it weren’t for the injuries, we wouldn’t be talking about $2.5 million cap hit, probably. Again, for multiple reasons, I didn’t want to go into July 1 needing two goalies and the expansion draft.”- Tim PanaccioNeuvirth has had a down year, posting a 2.90 Goals Against Average along with a .887 Save Percentage in 24 games played. General Manager Ron Hextall is betting Neuvirth returns to last season’s form which saw him post a 2.27 Goals Against Average along with a .924 Save Percentage in 32 games played last season. – Joel Vanderlaan
Flyers acquire Filppula from Lightning
Ron Hextall’s biggest deal on deadline day put Flyers’ faithful in a good mood, taking to Twitter to show their appreciation for their newly acquired center man and also adding praise for Ron Hextall’s willingness to acquire a much needed second line center. Flyers forward Jake Voracek, not unlike his fan base, was excited about the newly acquired Fippula.
Voracek called him a “good add” and a “skilled player, a very smart player; he moves the puck, good skater. It’s going to help us. … He’s going to help us offensively.” – Sam Carchidi
Related Story: Philadelphia Flyers: A Closer Look At Valtteri Filppula
Flyers wanted & needed to get a top6/9 Center. They did that. And they wouldnt have been able to get a better deal & free agent this summer
— Johan Gärtner (@JohanGartner) March 1, 2017
Jake Voracek leads the Flyers with 22 5v5 points. Valtteri Filppula has 23 5v5 points this season. This should help their depth scoring.
— Ryan Gilbert (@RGilbertSOP) March 1, 2017
Wow. Filppula.
— Alexander Appleyard (@avappleyard) March 1, 2017
The @NHLFlyers are going to have a decent 1-2-3 anyway next year. #Flyers
Slept on the Filppula deal. The Flyers actually addressed a pretty glaring need, and did so with no long term commitment
— Michael (@michaelkinky) March 2, 2017
Anytime you look at fan reaction, it’s a two-way street; some will like it while others will be against it . Let us know your thoughts on the Flyers’ deadline deals in the comment section.