Is Now the Time for Ron Hextall to Pull Trigger on Major Deal?

Sam Hinkie’s biggest mistake was not trademarking the term that every other general manager in the city is trying to emulate.

“The Process” has been uttered by Flyers boss Ron Hextall more than a couple times this year and he wouldn’t dare give up a second-round pick as a royalty fee to the 76ers because Hextall may covet those assets just as much as Hinkie did.

Fans want “The Process” sped up after one six-game playoff series to show for the team since Hextall was named GM on May 7, 2014. The way things are going these days, it doesn’t look like the Flyers are getting back to the postseason this year.

“That spot’s there for us to take,” Claude Giroux claimed before the Flyers started their road trip.

Even if they do sneak back in, the way the Eastern Conference is looking they would only be able to attain the last spot and that would mean a rematch against the Washington Capitals. The Caps’ lead in the division is growing and they almost surely won’t be caught.

“We know we’re a streaky team,” goalie Michal Neuvirth said last week. “When we get hot, we get hot. It’s still in our hands with a lot of games left.”

The knuckles on those hands are white as bone with how tight the Flyers are gripping their sticks unable to score in bunches. A trio of goals in a losing effort Thursday night was the first time in six games they scored more than two goals.