VOORHEES, N.J. — Ron Hextall is not the least bit surprised the final playoff determinations are coming down to the last weekend of the season.
And while his Flyers have no postseason awaiting them after Saturday’s finale against Ottawa, they will have some say in who qualifies (see story).
The Senators need one point to make the playoffs.
“I’m not surprised,” the Flyers' general manager said. “Every year, [there is] parity in the league and competitive balance. You look at the start of the year and a lot of teams can make the playoffs.
“It depends on the flow during the year and your top players’ performances and injuries. A lot of little variables.
“It’s exciting. I find myself looking at who’s going to make it and not going to make it. Watching games and looking at the scoreboard. It’s good for the game.”
Lecavalier update
Hextall said Vinny Lecavalier will not play in the season finale against Ottawa with an upper-body injury that is not long term.
He did not confirm CSNPhilly.com’s report that Lecavalier is concussed, the result of taking a punch to the face from Carolina’s Keegan Lowe during Thursday’s 3-1 loss. Lecavalier and Lowe fought twice.
Flyers players felt that Lowe disrespected Lecavalier.
“You’re out there trying to make an impression … it’s his first game, he’s trying to do anything he can, in the heat of battle, you don’t necessarily know who it is,” Hextall said.
“Things happen in the heat of battle. You respect him for coming in and having two fights in his first game. … He did what he had to do and Vinny did a good job, too.”
The Flyers will recall someone from the Phantoms later Friday night for the Senators game.
Berube’s future
Hextall reiterated a decision on coach Craig Berube, the coaching staff and entire roster will be “evaluated” over the next several weeks.