Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella has been an incredibly vocal figure this season, consistently providing noteworthy quotes. He has expressed his opinions on various matters, such as stating that he would be astonished if his players discussed hockey during their personal time and shutting down a reporter who spread rumors about former Flyer Kevin Hayes. Now, Tortorella has directed his outspoken nature towards the entire NHL.
During a press conference prior to the Flyers’ game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tortorella was asked about a recent incident involving Morgan Rielly from the Maple Leafs and Ridly Grieg from the Ottawa Senators. Rielly received a five-game suspension due to this incident. However, instead of solely discussing the specific event, Tortorella delved into his observations of the league’s overall state.
Tortorella expressed his frustration with how the NHL has seemingly become less intelligent and more prone to mistakes in recent years. He carefully chose his words, describing the league as “dumb” and emphasizing the challenges that coaches face as a result of these changes. He believes that younger players are lacking the willingness to put in the necessary effort and time to earn respect both in the locker room and in terms of playing time.
According to Tortorella, athletes today are influenced by entourages that lead them astray, causing them to deviate from the traditional values and expectations of being a professional athlete. He reminisced about the past, highlighting the importance of the hierarchy within a team and the process of becoming a true professional. Tortorella expressed his disappointment with the current state of affairs, as he feels that these crucial aspects have been lost in the evolution of the sport.
With over two decades of experience in the NHL and an even longer history in professional hockey, Tortorella is well-positioned to recognize the changes that have occurred. While he acknowledges the exceptional speed and talent displayed by today’s athletes, he believes that the mental aspect of the game has suffered. The understanding of what it truly means to be a professional and to respect the National Hockey League is where Tortorella encounters difficulties.
In conclusion, John Tortorella, the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, has been an outspoken figure this season. He has voiced his opinions on various topics and has now directed his attention towards the NHL as a whole. Tortorella expressed his concerns about the league’s decline in intelligence and the challenges faced by coaches due to these changes. He believes that younger players are lacking the dedication and respect necessary to succeed. While he acknowledges the exceptional skills and speed of today’s athletes, he feels that the mental aspect of the game has been compromised.
According to the Source outkick.com