Hello again and welcome to a Tuesday edition of Between the Pipes. With rookie camp in full swing and training camps scheduled to start later in the week, let's take a look at a few headlines from the hockey world as we prepare for the 2015-16 season.
NHL to implement concussion spotters - [Greg Wyshynski – Puck Daddy]
This is a great move by the NHL. While they have a concussion protocol and system in place, it's been inconsistent at best. This new development will see a spotter be instituted in each city and the home club will be responsible for footing the bill. In a sport where head injures are fairly common, it makes sense to add an extra set of eyes as a second verification that all seems well both during play and on the bench. Unlike in the NFL, the spotters are not required to have a medical background; instead, they need to be able alert those necessary that something seems off and needs further evaluation. Diagnosis of a concussion early enough is not only beneficial in the short-term, it may also preserve the players' quality of life after hockey and beyond.
GM Ron Hextall believes the Flyers are a playoff-caliber team – [Sam Carchidi – Philadelphia Inquirer]
In speaking with the media, General Manger Ron Hextall offered up his opinions on who should play the wing on the top line, what the defensive pairings would be, what rookies could make the club out of camp and whether or not this team has the capability of making the playoffs. As far as the latter is concerned, Hextall had the following to say:
"When you look at it, there's a few teams you call elite teams in the East, and after that you say these chunk of teams, 60 or 70 percent, are going to make the playoffs. And we're in that group. To me, there's no excuse for us not to make the playoffs."
There is no hiding the fact the Flyers will likely face an uphill battle in order to make the postseason. Depending what analysis you look at, the club is projected to finish either fifth or sixth in the Metropolitan Division. In order to make the playoffs, Dave Hakstol's team will need to play as a cohesive unit that is strong on the puck in all three zones. That mixed with strong goaltending from Steve Mason and Michal Neuvirth will be the keys to success that can prove Hextall right.
2022 Olympics look favorable to NHL due to location – [Pierre LeBrun – ESPN]
The NHL's involvement in the 2022 Olympics received a favorable push when Beijing was awarded the winter games. While the league, players and IOC still have to make all determinations, it's no secret that the NHL has been trying to expand to Asia for quite some time. With the host announced, there are now concrete meeting dates set and discussions can begin on whether the NHL will send it's best players to represent their countries. While it's tough to shut down an NHL season for two weeks, there is always an excitement in seeing the absolute best players in world competing against one another in something as prestigious as the Olympics.
Zach Hopkins is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @healedbyhockey.
