Philadelphia Flyers: 5 burning questions for 2018-19 season

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 18: Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach Dave Hakstol answers questions during an interview after the First Round Stanley Cup Playoff game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers on April 18, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. How long of a leash does Dave Hakstol have?

It may seem silly to ask this question considering he’s brought the Flyers to the playoffs in two of the three seasons he’s been here but it isn’t really a bad question. He’s only won four playoff games in those two playoff rounds and if it weren’t for getting really hot after their ten game losing streak, he may not be coaching Philadelphia right now. They were still picking up a few points during that losing streak but it almost cost them their season.

Hakstol has made some questionable decisions during his tenure, such as putting Valtteri Filppula on the first line in a must-win game five from the playoff series against Pittsburgh. He also kept Brian Elliott in for maybe a game too long during that series when he was struggling. He also benched Travis Konency multiple times last season when something went wrong. Benching a player who had 24 goals and 47 points in his sophomore season probably isn’t too good of an idea when he’s one of their best young wingers.

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This is a big year for Hakstol. The team is improved from last season and will be expected to make the playoffs again. After a while though, there needs to be that next step and whether or not they can get there may determine his fate.

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