Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers’ John Tortorella Called Out by Former Player
After 22 years, it is not exactly a secret nor a surprise that Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella and his methods aren’t for everyone.
Just ask Brandon Dubinsky.
Tortorella, as he does, and the Flyers caught the attention of the hockey world on Tuesday when it was revealed that captain Sean Couturier would be a healthy scratch for the team’s home matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Even though the Flyers narrowly won by a score of 4-3, the decision to scratch Couturier still isn’t going over well.
Dubinsky, who played for a total of eight years under Tortorella between the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets, called out his former coach on Twitter/X on Wednesday morning.
Torts..your tactics are getting old..instead of scratching and embarrassing your capt and one of your best players how about try and tell him I’m giving you 20 mins tmrw night no matter what with PP & PK and go play free have fun and fucking get it done? @NHLFlyers #freecouturier
— Brandon Dubinsky (@BDubi17) March 20, 2024
“Torts..your tactics are getting old,” Dubinsky wrote. “instead of scratching and embarrassing your capt (sic) and one of your best players how about try and tell him I’m giving you 20 mins tmrw (sic) night no matter what with PP & PK and go play free have fun and fucking get it done?@NHLFlyers #freecouturier,”
It’s unclear what specifically prompted Dubinsky to come forward and call out the Flyers coach, but he’s been on both sides of the coin. On one side, Dubinsky has seen first-hand how Tortorella and his methods speak to players, which can greatly vary depending on the person. Perhaps that goes back to when Tortorella temporarily removed the ‘A’ from Dubinsky’s sweater in Columbus back in 2017.
On the other hand, the 37-year-old also went toe-to-toe with Couturier for many years and knows how good the Flyers captain can be when given the appropriate ice time.
It’s unlikely that Dubinsky’s comments spill over or bother Tortorella, but it is perhaps not a coincidence that the Flyers’ bench boss has ticked off pundits, former players, and Couturier himself. That said, it’s hard to argue with results, and Tortorella got a result on Tuesday night.
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Coots is well respected and for him to be frustrated is concerning. He’s been a solid citizen for this organization. Not sure of his role as Torts loves to shuffle the deck. Playing with Nick and Cam isn’t going to help him find his game.
“…years and knows how good the Flyers captain can be”
Every player can be great. It’s up to the coach to get the best out of the player. We fall in love with our players too much and hang on to them too long. Sit out and bring it next game. Wish Torts coached Tobias Harris.
I am sure Coots will be on the ice vs the ‘Canes on Thursday.
Could have easily said Coots needs a mainetenace day of rest after playing 64 games so far….in private with Coots, tell him Torts’ concerns
Maybe Dubinsky should pay attention to his own team because the last time I checked, they were in last place.
I don’t think he is involved with any team. At this point he’s just a simple minded loser looking for his 15 minutes of fame.
You’re right. I thought he was scouting for Columbus but I found he’s now involved in real estate. Even less reason to mouth off about an NHL coach.
Dubinsky who?? This has-been thinks he’s bright enough to be a coach in the NHL. He’s not
End of story