The NHL is suspending Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella for two games as a result of his actions in Saturday night’s 7-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports. He is also being fined $50K, per Friedman.
Tortorella was assessed a bench minor and a game misconduct for abuse of officials at 10:49 of the first period after Lightning center Brayden Point scored a power-play goal to increase Tampa’s lead to 4-0 early in the game. Broadcast video captured Tortorella on the bench continuing to fight with officials after the misconduct was assessed, appearing to say, “I’m not [profanity] leaving” multiple times to referee Wes McCauley (video link via Bally Sports Sun).
The Flyers have publicly supported Tortorella since Saturday night’s ejection, with team governor Dan Hilferty pledging to cover his fine if one was assessed. Flyers assistant Brad Shaw told reporters Sunday morning that Tortorella was simply expressing dissatisfaction with the calls and did not go so far as to threaten the on-ice officials, while captain Sean Couturier claimed his head coach “didn’t say much” (via Charlie O’Connor of PHLY Sports).
Philadelphia’s grip on third place in the Metropolitan Division has slipped to only four points ahead of the New York Islanders, who have three games in hand on the Flyers. They’ll now be without their Jack Adams candidate for a two-game homestand against the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs as they try to keep pace in the playoff race.
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