Date Published: 10-25-2022
Photo Credit: Delco Times
The key to curing old habits, or rewriting the page is winning. John Tortorella said exactly this at his first press conference as the new Head Coach of the Flyers back in June. Fortunately, the 2022-23 Flyers are off to a solid start with a record of 4-2.
The Flyers top brass, most notably, Chuck Fletcher said that the Flyers were under an “Aggressive Rebuild,” to which prime free agent Johnny Gaudreau was never offered a contract by the Flyers, and they also failed to obtain a prime goal scorer Alex Debrincat. The Flyers, however, made some minor changes instead, to include solidifying the top pairing defensive role with the acquisition of Tony DeAngelo and bringing in tough guy Nic Deslauriers. It just appeared the writing was on the wall for a change up top at some point through the course of the season, with dismissing Fletcher of his duties, as this roster appear to be destined to lose on paper. Is it possible that Tortorella saves Fletcher’s job? I think back to the introductory press conference where Fletcher stated, “John brings a winning environment to our locker room.”
“John demands the best out of his players every single game. He is a Stanley Cup Champion and has a lengthy track record of both regular season and playoff success. During the interview process we discussed a number of factors that are crucial to bring this team immediate success and it became clear to me that his vision and style makes him the right person to restore a winning environment to our locker room.” – Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher
For those wishing for Fletcher to be dismissed of his duties as General Manager of the Flyers, they would have to really fall of the rails. The Flyers would have to lose, so yes Tortorella can definitely save Fletcher’s job. Did Fletcher enter this season on the hot seat, absolutely it sure felt that way. There may have been a longer leash due to the new coaching and medical staffs, but the Flyers had to start winning. This organization was not going to tolerate what’s transpired for the past few seasons.
“I am very excited to be joining such a historic and well-respected franchise like the Philadelphia Flyers. From my very first conversation with Chuck, I knew this was the right fit for me and I believe in the direction this team is heading. Having faced the Flyers for several years, I know firsthand how tough of a city Philly is to play in and I look forward to being on the right side of the bench on opening night in front of such a loyal and passionate crowd of Flyers fans.” – John Tortorella
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This coaching staff it’s done a tremendous job early in the season with the conditioning of players, and getting this team to believe in themselves again. Gone are the days that the Flyers play lackadasical hockey, or don’t give 100% effort because they are tired. Totorella is building a winning culture, and that’s what good coaches bring. Even with some major injuries to key players he expects to win, nothing more and nothing less.
Fletcher made one heck of an acquisition with the hiring of Tortorella. Tortorella has instilled confidence in this club to play with anybody at any time. The more success Tortorella has, it becomes more and more less likely that Fletcher will be terminated.
I had read through various media outlets that it was a 3rd party thinktank that hired torts. Also this was not fletcher,s choice. Fletcher should of never been hired and should be fired immediately for this mess.
Holy cow….Fletcher gets a pass after 6 games???? Are you serious?? I certainly hope Torts can keep it up, but I seriously doubt it with the players he has.