John Tortorella, Flyers Coach, Suspended for 2 Games
The NHL has suspended Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella for two games and fined him $50,000 for his “unprofessional conduct directed at the officials by refusing to leave the bench area” during Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The league made the announcement on Sunday, following Tortorella’s ejection from the game.
Tortorella was assessed a game misconduct after expressing his discontent with a tripping call on defenseman Ronnie Attard at 9:24 in the first period. This call resulted in a power-play goal for the Lightning’s Brayden Point, and Tortorella’s frustration continued to escalate. He received a 10-minute misconduct penalty on forward Garnet Hathaway just moments later.
The breaking point came when the Point goal made it 4-0 for the Lightning at the 10:49 mark of the first period. Referee Wes McCauley ordered Tortorella to leave the bench, but he initially refused, continuing to argue with McCauley and referee Brandon Schrader. Eventually, Tortorella made his way to the visitor’s dressing room.
Assistant coaches Brad Shaw and Rocky Thompson took over the bench duties after Tortorella’s ejection. Despite being honored as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the Tampa Bay Lighting’s 2004 Stanley Cup championship earlier in the day, Tortorella did not speak with reporters after the game.
Shaw provided some insight into the situation, stating that Tortorella was likely trying to make a point about feeling unfairly treated by the officials. He acknowledged that emotions run high in the game, leading to elevated blood pressure and intense reactions.
Shaw also commented on the tripping call that sparked the sequence, describing it as two players hustling for the puck and their skates getting tangled. He admitted that he was not pleased with the call himself.
This incident follows recent disciplinary actions taken by the NHL against other head coaches. Don Granato of the Buffalo Sabres and Sheldon Keefe of the Toronto Maple Leafs were both fined $25,000 for arguing with officials on February 29. Greg Cronin of the Anaheim Ducks also received a $25,000 fine in October.
As a result of his suspension, Tortorella will miss the Flyers’ upcoming games against the San Jose Sharks on March 12 and the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 14. The $50,000 fine imposed on him will be directed towards the NHL Foundation.
In conclusion, John Tortorella’s outburst during the Flyers’ game against the Tampa Bay Lightning has resulted in a two-game suspension and a significant fine. The incident highlights the intensity and emotions that can arise in professional sports, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting officials and maintaining professionalism on the bench.