The competition for the last playoff spots in the Eastern Conference is intensifying. becoming increasingly competitive and the Philadelphia Flyers are right in the middle of it.
After losing their latest game against the New York Islanders, the Flyers' head coach, John Tortorella, criticized almost all of his players for their weak and embarrassing performance. Flyers' head coach John Tortorella criticized nearly all of his players for their poor performance. and described the team's performance as 'weak' and 'embarrassing.'
On Wednesday, April 3, Tortorella voiced his frustration in front of the media ahead of Philadelphia's upcoming game against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday. and before the Philadelphia team's game against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday.
Tortorella commented on the media narrative and how it suggests that the team may give up, acknowledging that it follows him around. Tortorella's statement after Wednesday's practice addressed the media narrative (h/t @BR_OpenIce for the shortened clip).
Following the loss to Buffalo, the Flyers have only won two of their last 10 games, despite still having a 62.2% chance of making the playoffs as of April 4, according to reports. MoneyPuck.
One media story about the Flyers and their season relates to the team's lack of experience and how the young players should not be held as accountable.
Tortorella disagreed with the narrative, stating that the players should not be discounted due to their youth, asserting that they are indeed a part of the competition.
John Tortorella Is Focused on Maximizing the Flyers' Performance
Known for his passionate speeches before and after games, the coach is a traditionalist when it comes to managing the locker room. This means that Tortorella will never abandon his players and will always endeavor to enhance their abilities and performance on the ice.
Tortorella urged the team to improve, expressing his belief that they are not yet prepared to do so, which he sees as a current issue.
Tortorella admitted that it is his responsibility and that he has not fulfilled it adequately to get the team to a better position.
Tortorella referred to the seven recent games played by the Flyers, including one that ended in a loss in overtime against the Islanders. During that time, Philadelphia only managed to win one game and lost six, with three losses occurring in overtime.
Overall, the Flyers have only acquired five points out of a possible 14. This has placed Philadelphia in the third seed of the Metropolitan Division, despite concerns with their 83-point tally in 76 games. The Washington Capitals have 82 points in 74 games, and the Islanders have 81 in 75.
Tortorella expressed dissatisfaction with his own efforts in conveying the need for a change in the team's approach over the final six remaining games.
Tortorella made it clear that he will not tolerate any players quitting on him because he is trying to help them improve as individuals and athletes.
Tortorella emphasized his commitment to pushing the athletes to excel, acknowledging uncertainties about how certain situations unfold.
Ivan Fedotov Stood Out as the Sole Performer in the Flyers' Recent Defeat
Following the loss to the Islanders, in which the Flyers replaced their starting goalie with Samuel Ersson in the second period, Tortorella labeled his team as 'soft' and criticized all but one of his players. Samuel Ersson during the second period, Tortorella expressed his dismay, calling his team 'soft' and criticizing all but one player. as noted by Heavy on April 2.
“Soft,” Tortorella informed reporters in his postgame press conference on Monday, April 1, when asked about his evaluation of the team. “One guy played–the goalie.
“It just didn’t look right with (Ersson),” Tortorella told reporters about replacing Ersson with debutant Ivan Fedotov. “Totally impressed (with Fedotov). I put him in a challenging situation. And he’s the only goddamn player that played in the second period.”
Tortorella elaborated on those comments following Wednesday’s practice, making it clear that he was “in control the other night,” about what said.
“What I said, I meant. And quite honestly, when I watch the tape now, I’m more concerned than just the second period,” Tortorella explained. “Because I’m so proud of the team getting here.
“And if people can’t handle it, so be it.”