Tortorella Wants Flyers’ Focus on Meaningful Games Not Trade Sh–
Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella didn’t hide his feelings (not that he ever does) following his team’s 6-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The game had extra meaning as the Flyers played against former teammate and prospect Cutter Gauthier. Gauthier had demanded a trade, and the Flyers got Jamie Drysdale back in return. The Flyers and the fans — who, at the best of times, can be critical — were ramped up to give it to Gauthier. Tortorella made it clear he wasn’t interested in celebrating for the wrong reasons.
Tortorella Called The Drama Bull—-
“I think it’s a bunch of bull—,” Tortorella said bluntly when addressing the media’s focus on the Gauthier narrative. “All I told our team is let’s worry about ourselves and play a hockey game. The bull— is for you guys. All the drama, that’s for you guys.”
As much as Tortorella appreciated the fans’ energy and wanted his players to have jump, he wasn’t thrilled that the motivation came from giving it to a player who didn’t want to be a Flyer. Travis Konecny challenged Gauthier to a fight. The fans chanted, “F— you Cutter!” It was entertaining. Still, Tortorella prefers to avoid drama and just go out and play a hockey game.
Gauthier was asked about the response he received and said, “I mean it is what it is. Media likes to say some things and rehash some old things, but I can’t control anything any other people say. I’m not here to please everyone, I’m here to do what’s best for me…”
“You know what I hope?” Tortorella continued. “I hope we can play in front of a crowd like that about something meaningful. Not all this stuff you guys are talking about. I hope it means something to the organization as far as winning and losing.”
The Flyers Need That “Gauthier Energy” To Make The Playoffs
The Flyers haven’t made the playoffs since 2020, and the fact the team can get this hyped to stick it to a former player, or the crowd can rally behind someone like Drysdale and win 6-0 is only proof the team can find the energy for other things. Torts wants to create a team culture where everyone is excited by the pursuit of winning games that matter, not trolling someone who doesn’t.
It might be tough to convince Flyers fans to change their ways. They have long been known for their passion and willingness to be vocal against those who shun or doubt them. Tortorella certainly isn’t going to convince those same fans not to make Gauthier’s night uncomfortable.
It will be interesting to see if the Flyers and the fans accept Tortorella’s challenge to channel that energy into supporting a team toward the postseason.
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Tortorella Wants Flyers’ Focus on Meaningful Games Not Trade Sh–
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