Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella made headlines with his recent decisions and comments regarding the team's lineup and strategy amidst a critical Metro match-up. Despite a first-period delay, Tortorella chose to play, emphasizing the team's 1-0 lead and dismissing concerns about goalie Ersson's reluctance. The coach announced plans to potentially utilize the backup goalie for four, maybe five upcoming games, hinting at evaluations for the backup goalie spot. This led to the promotion of Felix Sandstrom, who replaced Cal Petersen following Petersen's underwhelming performance in a recent game. Tortorella's rationale was based on performance, stating Petersen wasn't good enough in the last game and highlighting the lack of significant discrepancy in AHL play between Petersen and Sandstrom. Sandstrom, seizing his last opportunity, expressed excitement and gratitude for the chance to prove himself with the Flyers. Additionally, Tortorella's comments on player performance extended to Sean Couturier and Cam Atkinson, emphasizing merit-based ice time allocation. The Flyers are preparing for a massive game against the Washington Capitals, with playoff implications on the line.
Felix Sandström: "Got a pretty good group of guys here, so it's a pretty easy transition I think (From Lehigh to Philly)." #Flyers
Felix Sandström said multiple times throughout his presser: "I'm just really happy to get a chance here." #Flyers
Felix Sandström: "Got a pretty good group of guys here, so it's a pretty easy transition i think (From Lehigh tp Philly)." #Flyers
Felix Sandström: "I'm really excited by getting the chance here. I've been working hard all year for an opportunity like this. I'm really happy to be here and get some games here." #Flyers
#Caps Clash with Flyers on Friday — Philly makes line visit to DC in critical Metro match-up: https://t.co/2BKk6m0sKp
John Tortorella says that Scott Laughton is playing better than Coots, and that's why he is getting more ice time than him. He said it doesn't matter who the player is, if one is playing better than the other he's going to elevate them
John Tortorella on Cam Atkinson: "He's got to wait his turn. If I think it's time for him to come back in, I hope he's sticks in. It really isn't confusing for me. If you play well you're going to get more minutes, if you play bad you are going to have to wait your turn."
John Tortorella on Sean Couturier: "I don't think he's happy at all (In terms of his play). I don't think I need to run to Coots, in terms of how he's playing. I'm not going to give anything away for free (Ice time), just because of his status." #Flyers
John Tortorella on Cal Petersen: "We just didn't feel that Cal was good last game. It's not criticizing Cal, Sanny deserves a chance too. I don't think our team played great at Pittsburgh, but I don't think Cal played well. It's Sanny's turn now." #Flyers
The Capitals are preparing for a 'massive' game against the Flyers on Friday that is likely to impact their playoff hopes. https://t.co/sn82M8HmGw
John Tortorella: "You are not getting me into a conversation about playoffs, it's important for us to be ready for Washington tomorrow night." #Flyers
This might be Felix Sandström's last opportunity to succeed in Philly. Really hope he makes the best of this golden opportunity
John Tortorella on why the Flyers made the change from Cal Petersen to Felix Sandstrom. https://t.co/nFm69CXkel
Did Torts contemplate giving Petersen one more start? "No." So why Felix Sandstrom now? "I just didn't feel Cal was good enough the last game." Said there hasn't been a big discrepancy in AHL play between Petersen & Sandstrom. Petersen got his shot. Now Sandstrom gets his.
Felix Sandstrom at Flyers’ practice. Nice save at the end of clip. https://t.co/FYEsBFyKXP
"Certainly discussing what our options are. I'm going to have to play our backup goalie probably four, maybe five games here. So we're going to have discussions as we move forward." - John Tortorella on Tuesday about Flyers evaluating their backup goalie spot https://t.co/lLkwOxcQn7
John Tortorella on the first period delay: “They asked me if you want to play, I did. We (Jon Cooper too) both decided let’s ask the goalies. We are up 1-0 at that time. I don’t think Erss was too crazy about it. I really don’t give a shit what Erss was, we’re up 1-0.” #Flyers