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Philadelphia Flyers Flashback: Goalie Ron Hextall

By Jason Belschner

11 Mar 1997: Goaltender Ron Hextall of the Philadelphia Flyers blocks a shot during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres won the game, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
11 Mar 1997: Goaltender Ron Hextall of the Philadelphia Flyers blocks a shot during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres won the game, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport /
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Arguably the best goalie in Philadelphia Flyers history, Ron Hextall agressively defended his net.

Before being the former General Manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, Ron Hextall was a former goalie for the team. Hextall played two stints with the Flyers becoming their all-time leader in wins. He spent nine of his eleven seasons in the NHL as a Philadelphia Flyer.

While playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League, Hextall caught the attention of a Flyers’ scout. It was Hextall’s fiery competitiveness that attracted the scout’s attention. Philadelphia landed Hextall in the sixth round of the 1982 draft.

Hextall didn’t earn his spot on the NHL roster until 1986; however, he needed the time to develop into a top talent. During his rookie season, he posted his best goals against average (GAA) of his career (3.00). He started 66 games while leading the league in wins and save percentage.

The dominant season led to the Vezina Trophy, finishing second in the Calder Trophy voting, and advancing the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals against the dominant Edmonton Oilers. Philadelphia lost in game seven of the finals, but Hextall was dominant throughout the series.

During the series, Wayne Gretzky had high praise for the rookie goalie, “Hextall is probably the best goaltender I’ve ever seen in the National Hockey League, that I’ve ever played against.”

Despite the loss in the finals, Hextall earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the best player in the playoffs. He posted two shutouts and posted a 15-11 record through the playoffs with a 2.76 GAA.

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