Flyers' Lecavalier embraces opportunity under Hakstol

Philadelphia Flyers veteran forward Vincent Lecavalier believes a change behind the bench could go along way in his performance on the ice this season.

The 35-year-old Lecavalier wasn't pleased with often being reduced to a spectator last season and is intent on putting his best foot forward under new coach Dave Hakstol.

"Yeah, I still think I can," Lecavalier told the Courier-Post of making a difference. "I mean, I'll have to obviously prove myself and play with that edge and hunger. With a new coach, I think everybody wants to prove themselves. It's going to be a great opportunity."

The 47-year-old Hakstol spent the last 11 seasons coaching collegiate powerhouse North Dakota before taking over for Craig Berube. Lecavalier reportedly didn't mesh well with Berube while playing in the second season of a five-year contract in Philadelphia.

Lecavalier collected eight goals and 12 assists in 57 games for the Flyers (33-31-18), who missed the playoffs following a sixth-place finish in the Metropolitan Division. The top overall pick of the 1998 draft, Lecavalier has recorded 411 goals and 520 assists in 1,163 career contests.

(h/t Courier-Post)