When asked about his team’s recent troubles, Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella didn’t mince words.
The Flyers are third in the Metropolitan Division with 83 points, but they are on a 2-5-3 slide over the last 10 games. The Flyers, once considered a safe bet to make the playoffs, are now just one point clear of the Washington Capitals for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Capitals are in second place in the wild card standings, but they have the same number of points as Detroit, one position below and only one point ahead of the New York Islanders. Even the Pittsburgh Penguins have re-entered the postseason race with 79 points, leaving little breathing room for the five clubs seeking two berths.
Tortorella made it obvious in a media scrum following practice on Wednesday how he feels about the team’s troubles and the idea that his players are abandoning him just before the playoffs.
“It comes down to, oh, they’re going to quit on him.” “It follows me around,” Tortorella remarked, according to Kevin Kurz of The Athletic. “So be it. If a player quits on me because I’m trying to make them better people or athletes, you’ve got the wrong coach and the wrong people here. “My job is to push athletes.”
During their recent streak, the Flyers have lost to bottom-feeders Montreal and Chicago, as well as tough losses to playoff opponents Toronto, Florida, Boston, and the New York Rangers. Philly has not won consecutive games since the four-game streak following the 2024 NHL All-Star Game weekend in early February.
“I’m so proud of the team for getting here,” Tortorella said. “I guess now the narrative out there that I’ve heard from other people (is), “they’re young. “They are not supposed to be here.” Bullshit. We’re here. We’re here. Face it. And let’s do better.
“I don’t believe we’re ready to improve, and that’s my issue with us right now. And it is my responsibility that I have not done enough to help them get over the hurdle. I haven’t done enough to convince them that we need to change now. We need to be on a different level. This is my frustration with myself and the team. And if somebody can’t take it, so be it.”
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