How Ron Hextall Is An Absolute Genius
It is probably safe to assume that the majority of the Philadelphia Flyers’ faithful were a bit puzzled, to say the least, by some of the offseason moves made by GM, Ron Hextall. However, the real question is, why? Why was there ever a shadow of doubt that the same guy who helped bring so much glory to the Los Angeles Kings, could not do the same exact thing in Philadelphia? Why was there a lingering uneasiness lurking in the back of the minds of so many Delaware Valley natives? Well, for starters, he acquired guys like Pierre Bellemare and Nick Schultz.
From the start of the season, those two, as well as a few select others, were players even the most extreme of hockey fans had never heard of. Well, Hextall has taken those players and done something that has not been seen on this club for quite some time. He has utilized them.
Finally, for the first time in what seems like forever, Philadelphia hockey fans are seeing the definition of “role” players. He has taken the unlikeliest of players and turned them into fan favorites. The best part, the numbers do nothing but prove the genius of Hextall.
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Philadelphia got off to a horrific start last season. Through the first 14 games of last year, they accumulated nine measly points from a 4-9-1 record. In the first 14 games of this season, they have managed to tally 16 points and a 7-5-2 record. Oh, and incase you want to make the argument that the competition has not been the same, you are correct. Last season, Philly went up against five eventual playoff teams through their first 14 games. This season, through that same number of games, they have played 10 playoff teams from last year.
It has been nonstop, but what are you going to do? No one is going to feel sorry for us. We are just going to carry on.” -Ron Hextall
It has not been easy at all for the Flyers. Injuries have plagued them since the offseason. Nevertheless, Hextall has still picked his guys carefully.
And carrying on they are, scoring 23 more goals through their first 14 games than they did last season. The shots have also been more frequent. Last season, the Flyers had a -2.8 shot ration against opponents through their first 14 games. This season, it stands at -1.7, giving them a +1.1 difference.
Besides Bellemare and Schultz, Michael Del Zotto also made a fairly nonchalant debut with the orange and black. The three have combined for four goals and 11 assists. Their 15 points is roughly 12% of the Flyers’ point total.
The primary focus during the offseason was supposed to be the defense, and so far, it has been the most noticeable change. However, not in the way that most had originally anticipated. The idea was to get more “defensive.” You know, block shots, break up plays, and all that jazz. Instead, Philadelphia has implemented a puck moving defensive strategy. The difference will blow you away. Through the first 14 games of last season, Philly’s defense had only tallied 16 points. This year, they have nearly doubled that, securing 30 points from defensemen. They matched last year’s total by game seven of this year.
It is early. I know that. We all do. However, it is tremendously hard not to be optimistic about the changes we have already seen. It may not come this season, but a cup could finally be on the horizon for this club in the next few years if Hextall keeps up his crafty roster moves.