Photo Credit: Rob Windfelder
Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella’s final statement while addressing the press after practice today:
“I’m looking at some of the encouraging things, and that comes to our young players and where some of them have grown and some of them haven’t. Some of the veteran guys haven’t. So that will be discussed. But for me the next step with this organization is you don’t start adding players until you subtract players. I think there needs to be some subtraction. And those will be in discussions at the end of the year”.
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At this particular time in Flyers-world this statement could hold a bit more weight than it would have even just a few weeks ago. With the firing of Chuck Fletcher and the hiring of Danny Briere as interim General Manager the direction the team takes and at what speed remains to be seen. Tortorella’s statement could be a “nobody’s job is guaranteed” motivational message or it could be a foreshadowing of things moving at an accelerated pace over the off season. Either way the message is sent. The remaining few weeks of this Flyers season is more than just a technicality. It is a chance for players to prove their value to a team that is clearly in transition.
Tippett absent
Flyers forward Owen Tippett who has been red hot as of late did not skate at practice today. When asked about his status Tortorella responded “Not serious, nicked up, day off, will skate tomorrow”. He is expected to play tomorrow night when the Flyers host the Panthers. Travis Konecny was filling in Tippett’s spot on the power-play at practice. Tortorella advised not to read anything into that.
“All The Young Dudes”
Tyson Foerster and Egor Zamula skated with the team today. Both are expected to be in the line-up tomorrow night. The organization is being careful not to deplete the Phantoms roster as they make a run for the AHL playoffs. That being said Foerster and Zamula could both be headed back to Lehigh Valley by this weekend for the next Phantoms game. The Flyers feel that getting these young players some NHL ice time and experience this week could benefit both teams.
Injury update TK and Coots
Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier both practiced with the team today while wearing yellow “no contact” jerseys. They were fully involved in the drills for the duration of practice which was long and fast paced. At one point it seemed like the session might be over as the Flyers left the ice. However they were merely headed over to the other side of the building for a fresh sheet of ice in the alternate rink. Konecny and Couturier were the last two players on the ice. They were still skating long after practice was over. Tortorella declined to give an update on either player. Both are obviously doing everything possible to get back to the team.
Next up: Tomorrow night Tuesday 3/21/23 at home against the Florida Panthers 7:00 PM
