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Rick Tocchet “Really Disappointed” with the Discipline as Flyers Concede Two Power Play Goals and a Shortie in Five Minutes
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Not exactly a banner night in Philadelphia sports.
Joel Embiid had an appendectomy before the Sixers were run off the court in Houston. At the same time, the Flyers were getting throttled by the Red Wings, losing 6-3 in Michigan.
“Obviously we gotta let it go,” said Rick Tocchet after the game. “We’re still in a position of controlling our own destiny. Very undisciplined tonight. I’m really disappointed some guys were undisciplined. Obviously the special teams wasn’t good. Their best players played better than our best players, that’s what it really comes down to.”
This thing fell apart with a totally fugazi second period in which they conceded two power play goals and a shorthanded goal in five minutes, though it started at the end of the 1st period when there was a scuffle at the buzzer and Porter Martone cross-checked some guy, got a shove back, and was accosted by several Red Wings while Rasmus Ristolainen skated over to tangle with Dylan Larkin. That resulted in two minors for the Flyers and just one for the Red Wings, starting the second period with a 4v4 that segued into a Detroit power play. Owen Tippett then took another penalty when he skated backwards into the goaltender, and that created a 5v3 from which the wheels fell completely off.
This felt like a continuation of the refs giving Martone nothing to begin his NHL career. Here you can see John Gibson come over and put a hand in his face:
“Huge lesson,” Tocchet said. “We’ll see (what happens) our next game, but honestly I’d rather us get whipped than just lose by one. Hopefully we take this and understand what it takes when you’re in these situations.”
Good news is the Flyers remain in the driver’s seat. Columbus lost, so if the Flyers win out they’re in. They’ve got Winnipeg on the road then finish with Carolina and Montreal at home in a back-to-back. The Jackets play the Canadiens on the road and then the Bruins and Caps at home while the Islanders have three home games against Ottawa, Montreal, and Carolina.
Buckle up, boys and girls.
Kevin has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University. email - k.kinkead@sportradar.com