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Flyers' John Tortorella Suspended 2 Games After Viral Video of Ejection vs. Lightning

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVMarch 10, 2024

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 9: Head coach John Tortorella
of the Philadelphia Flyers reacts to being ejected during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on March 9, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/NHLI via Getty Images)
Mike Carlson/NHLI via Getty Images

The Philadelphia Flyers will be without head coach John Tortorella for the next two games.

The NHL announced the coach was suspended two games and fined $50,000 for yelling at an official and refusing to leave the bench area during Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning:

B/R Open Ice @BR_OpenIce

Torts is not having it right now 😳 <a href="https://t.co/xELagoYo7C">pic.twitter.com/xELagoYo7C</a>

Bally Sports Sun: Lightning @BallyLightning

Flyers coach John Tortorella wouldn't leave after getting tossed 😂 <a href="https://t.co/YNDaCzwFyZ">pic.twitter.com/YNDaCzwFyZ</a>

There was surely some frustration in place, as Tampa Bay cruised to a dominant 7-0 victory.

The Flyers are now 4-5-2 in their last 11 games and hanging onto third place in the Metropolitan Division with 74 points on the season. They are four points ahead of the fourth-place New York Islanders, although Philadelphia has played three more games than its closest challenger.

Saturday's contest became ugly, as the Lightning had six different goal scorers in the blowout win. Victor Hedman led the way with two goals and one assist from his defensive spot, while goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped all 25 shots.

But it was Tortorella who stole the show by refusing to leave the bench area.

The veteran coach has always been known for a fiery demeanor, and it was on full display in the loss to Tampa Bay.

"Well, I think he was just trying to make a point that we felt like we might not been getting our fair shake," Philadelphia associate coach Brad Shaw, who took over for Tortorella, told reporters. "But you know, it's an emotional game at times, and we all get elevated blood pressure."

Philadelphia will be at home during its next two games without its head coach. It faces the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.