Flyers’ John Tortorella Fined, Suspended Two Games

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella has been suspended two games by the NHL, and will receive a $50k fine in addition to the suspension.

Tortorella was ejected by the officials in Saturday night’s Flyers game against the Tampa Bay Lightning after he launched an expletive-laden tirade at Wes McCauley and the officials, as well as refusing to leave the bench after being ejected by McCauley. Tortorella could be seen screaming, “I’m staying right f–king here,” over the heads of two Flyers players before eventually vacating the Flyers’ bench.

One thing I’d like to say: I really believe this is a case where we should hear from the officials. I don’t think it benefits anyone — including the referees in this case — that we can’t hear what happened here.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 10, 2024

Flyers associate coach Brad Shaw coached the last two and a half periods of the game, as Tortorella was given the boot 10:49 into the game with the Lightning up 4-0 at the time. Brayden Point scored a power play goal to put Tampa Bay up four goals, and Shaw shared after the game that he was “not a fan” of the call that gave Tampa the power play, and neither was Tortorella, obviously.

Of course, it is impossible to know exactly what was said or everything that was said by Tortorella to the officials, but it was apparently enough to warrant a two-game suspension and a gigantic fine. Flyers CEO Dan Hilferty already told NBC Sports Philadephia’s Al Morganti that he would cover any fines the NHL levied upon Tortorella.

It is a bit strange that Tortorella’s punishment is greater than or equal to illegal checks to the head and deliberate slashes and cross-checks, but this is the league’s decision. The NHL undoubtedly will offer an in-depth explanation when the disciplines Tortorella receives are officially announced.

UPDATE: The NHL offered this statement: “Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella has been suspended for two games and fined $50,000 for unprofessional conduct directed at the officials by refusing to leave the bench area after being assessed a game misconduct at 10:49 of the first period of NHL Game No. 1,016 on Saturday, March 9, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell announced today.”

If the suspension takes effect right away, Tortorella is eligible to return to the Flyers’ bench on March 16 against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden.

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