Flyers Daily: Tortorella Has Philly Soaring; A Surprise in Boston

The Philadelphia Flyers are 2-0 for a lot of reasons.

Near the top of the list is how new coach John Tortorella has gotten them to play with a work ethic that wasn’t always seen last year.

“You guys were there during camp; this team’s in shape, there’s no question about that,” center Kevin Hayes said after the Flyers rallied past Vancouver on Saturday, 3-2.  “I think that was his whole game plan.”

The Flyers overcame a 1-0 deficit and beat New Jersey in the opener, 5-2.

They climbed out of a 2-0 hole against the Canucks.

So far, their conditioning has paid off.

“We’ve got a bunch of guys that work hard,” Hayes said. “Might not be the prettiest team, but if you don’t work hard, you don’t play. It’s a demanding coach and I think it helps our team.”

.⁦@NHLFlyers⁩ Podcast: Lots of Positives, But Ryan Ellis Was Mistreated https://t.co/TNprwruAaI

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) October 17, 2022

The hard work “starts in practice, starts in camp, and he’s set a level that everyone’s accepted,” Hayes added. “Everyone knows that if you don’t get to that level, you’re probably not going to see too many minutes. It’s hard, but it’s fun, and it’s a lot more fun when you win.”

The Philadelphia Flyers will have a difficult time winning during a three-game road trip that starts Tuesday in Tampa Bay, and also has stops against Florida (Wednesday) and Nashville (Saturday).

Getting a total of three points over those three tough games would be considered a positive. And after opening the season with consecutive comeback victories, the Flyers have a belief in themselves that hasn’t been seen in a while.

Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: In my Broad Street Bullcast, I talk about the many positives in the Flyers’ 2-0 start … and how Ryan Ellis was mistreated. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: A look at Ed Snider’s bizarre superstitions connected to his beloved Flyers. This is the third excerpt in Alan Bass’ excellent biography of the late Flyers co-founder. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers change backup goalies for the road trip. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: The Phillies have inspired the Flyers. Really.  Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins are drawing things differently for Sidney Crosby. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Boston Hockey Now: Surprise, surprise: Brad Marchand is back in the B’s picture. Boston Bruins.

Washington Hockey Now: The story behind the Caps’ player-of-game rope, which coach Peter Laviolette got from a local fire company. Washington Capitals.

Dallas Hockey Now: Ten random thoughts. Dallas Stars. 

San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks, off to an awful start (0-4). and are looking like serious Connor Bedard candidates.  San Jose Sharks. (By the way, Bedard has 20 points (9-11) in his first 11 WHL games this season. He’s 17.)