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ChatGPT ranks the Top-10 Philadelphia Flyers of all-time

By Jonathan Bailey

NHL Hall of Famer and Philadelphia Flyers legend Eric Lindros speaks to the crowd during his Jersey Retirement Night ceremony. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
NHL Hall of Famer and Philadelphia Flyers legend Eric Lindros speaks to the crowd during his Jersey Retirement Night ceremony. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Ron Hextall of the Philadelphia Flyers defends his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Ron Hextall of the Philadelphia Flyers defends his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

#6: Ron Hextall, G, Flyers: 1986-1992, 1994-1999

"“Talented goaltender and the first goalie to score a goal in an NHL game, played a crucial role for the team.” – ChatGPT"

Ron Hextall looked to be one of the NHL’s upper-echelon goaltenders early in his career, but injuries had other plans for him. Although it was only for a short time, Hextall dominated the late 80’s.

Hextall was drafted 119th overall in the 1982 draft and first made the Flyers in the 1986-87 season. That year, the enigmatic goaltender was named an NHL All-Star, received votes for the Hart Trophy, and won both the Conn Smythe Trophy and the Vezina Trophy. Ultimately, Hextall lost the Calder Memorial Trophy to Los Angeles Kings winger Luc Robitaille, who had two more first-place votes and five more second-place votes.

With his Conn Smythe win, Hextall became the fourth player, second Flyer, and third goaltender in NHL history to be awarded the trophy as a member of the Stanley Cup-losing team. In short, he was simply dominant in his first year of play, which could accurately be attributed to his unconventional and revolutionary style of play, which was later emulated by Martin Brodeur.

Hextall struggled to stay healthy after 1989 and was later traded to the Quebec Nordiques for Eric Lindros in 1992. After one year in Quebec and one year with the New York Islanders, Hextall triumphantly returned to the Flyers and had a dominant 1995-96 season. Despite this, the Canadian shot-stopper could not get over his inconsistencies and was unable to earn the lion’s share of playing time in the crease.

Truthfully, ChatGPT dropped the ball on this one. Hextall was great for a bit and is definitely a Flyers legend, but he’s ranked too highly here.

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