Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella was suspended two games and fined $50,000 by the NHL for failing to clear the bench after being ejected Saturday night.
Tortorella was suspended for two minutes during the first period of the Flyers’ 7-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday after getting into an altercation with officials over a 10-minute misconduct penalty given to Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway. received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and game misconduct.
The 65-year-old head coach repeatedly told officials he would not resign, but ultimately relented after a few minutes.
Tortorella was replaced by associate coach Brad Shaw for the remainder of the game.
Flyers CEO Dan Hilferty spoke for the head coach Sunday, telling reporters that he would cover any potential fines imposed on Tortorella.
“I’m really proud of Torts for standing up for our team,” Hilferty told NBC Philadelphia’s Al Morganti. “This new era for the Orange is about supporting each other. Last night, the Totes brought us together and supported us…I respect any action the league may feel necessary, but that doesn’t include fines. If it’s included, I’m willing to pay.”
The Flyers are currently 33-24-4 with 74 points, four points behind the New York Islanders, who are competing for the last playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division. They are scheduled to return to action Tuesday at home against the San Jose Sharks.
In 2014, while head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, Tortorella was suspended for 15 days (six games) for inciting an altercation outside the Calgary Flames’ locker room during the first intermission of a game between the teams. Ta.
