Did John Tortorella lose the locker room?

For most of this year, everything seemed great for the Philadelphia Flyers as they were playing above all expectations. Now since the trade deadline, the team has struggled and is currently on a 7-game losing streak and in danger of missing the playoffs. Now, everyone is pointing fingers and trying to figure out why a team that seemed destined for the playoffs now looks like they may not win another game this year.

John Tortorella should take blame for how the team cannot seem to find a way to win and is getting blown out by terrible teams. However, he should get credit as no one was picking the Flyers to even contend for a playoff spot, especially to be competing with only four games remaining. The Flyers were in a playoff position for almost four months and during that time, they had a terrible power play, however that was due to the fact the Flyers do not have much talent on offense. They have players on the power play, that quite frankly, should not be on the power play but Tortorella does not have much of a choice. The Flyers lost their starting goaltender months ago and Carter Hart went on indefinite leave. This caused Sam Ersson to play almost nightly when most modern NHL goaltenders are not playing as much as Ersson has played over the last few months.

The issue with the Flyers of late, is goals are hard to come by and goals seem to be easily given up. It does not appear to be lack of effort, the Flyers were heavily outshooting the Sabres the other night, and started off strong against the Blue Jackets. Additionally, over the last several games, we have seen the Flyers come back late and never give up in games where they are down big, like they were in Boston. Everyone will have their own opinion if Tortorella lost the locker room, however, even in losing, the Flyers show effort and do not give up. The issue for the Flyers could very well be, youth, inexperience and a tired goaltender. This could be a good learning lesson for years to come.

Flyers Nitty Gritty


Flyers' Head Coach John Tortorella hasn't lost the locker room like some fans say, the team just has to learn how to finish