Date Published: 2-3-2023
Photo Credits: FNG’s Rob Windfelder
It’s been too soon to judge John Tortorella’s performance as Head Coach of the Philadelphia Flyers for long enough. We are headed into the All Star game, there are just 31 games left to play this season, and the trade deadline is March 3rd. So it’s not only fair at this point to have an opinion it is actually urgent.
There are so many important decisions to be made in the very near future that will shape this team for years to come. It’s my opinion that John Tortorella has proven himself and at this point should have the biggest say in how to structure this team moving forward. He has shown that he understands this team and this town better than anyone has in a very long time. Everything that Tortorella promised before the beginning of this season he has delivered.
“That’s the number one thing I’m looking at, I think we need to create an identity here with our team. I do think we need to play to the city and the personality of the city and kind of grow together that way. But when you start talking about standard and culture, that’s an everyday process. You may have some conflict and arguments along the way, athletes need to be pushed into certain situations and test them, see what they are. Do they give in, or do they want more? –John Tortorella June 2022
Harder to Play Against
Tortorella has restored the identity of this team. This entire Fall as his squad was decimated with injuries. This team did not lay down, did not give up, and they were competitive in almost every single game. As promised they are surely “a team that’s harder to play against”. They stand up for themselves, they stand up for each other, and they play as a team. Since getting healthy again they have been a force to reckon with. The roster may be lacking in overall structure, that is not the new coach’s fault. Management has made some moves over the years that have put the team in this current position. That is also not the fault of any of the players who leave it all out there on the ice night after night.
The veterans on this team are not just rejuvenated they are reaching new heights. The youth had to step up to fill slots in the Fall and have been given opportunity, responsibility, and experience at an accelerated pace. The entire team has responded well to the coach and the challenges they have faced. I believe Tortorella has earned the responsibility of calling the shots on the future of this team. Ego should not get in the way of this process, his input should be key in any moves that are to be made.
“So these are the things I’m going to have to find out about. Basically, you’re trying to find who do you want on your bus. And some guys aren’t going to be able to handle it, some guys are going to thrive in it. Those are the decisions that we’re going to have to make and decide who rides with us and becomes a Philadelphia Flyer and try to get back to the standard that this organization has had.” -John Tortorella
Nobody knows better than this coach what pieces are still missing and what holes still need to be filled. It should be up to him to decide what and who he needs to take it to the next level. No one at this point knows the Philadelphia Flyers better than their coach. I think the they may have already taken the biggest step in their rebuild. Tortorella has laid a solid new foundation for this team. In my opinion they are definitely headed in the right direction, Tortorella and his staff deserve the credit for that. This is not the time to make a U-turn, give him the keys and let him drive.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
