NHL
“This team is way too comfortable” Flyers Coach Laments Team
Rick Tocchet takes responsibility for Philadelphia’s effort after a 4–1 loss at Tampa Bay, while Flyers players discuss passing, line changes and execution.
“This team is way too comfortable,” Rick Tocchet said after the Philadelphia Flyers lost 4–1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.
In the Flyers’ posted postgame interview, the coach was asked why his team’s effort appeared only in stretches. He said maintaining that effort consistently was difficult and that responsibility started with him.
“It’s on me,” Tocchet said.
Tampa Bay outshot Philadelphia 36–14. Tyson Foerster scored the Flyers’ goal at 7:22 of the second period, cutting the Lightning’s lead to 2–1 before Tampa Bay added two late goals.
Tocchet called Porter Martone’s performance a positive and credited him with taking accountability for his game. Asked about the Flyers’ disconnected passing up the ice, the coach said NHL players had to execute short passes and that the work would continue.
Martone was asked whether changing lines was making it harder to know where teammates would be.
“We could play with anyone. You know, we play in the NHL for a reason,” Martone said.
Dan Vladar was asked about containing Tampa Bay’s offense during the second period. He said the Flyers needed to focus on their own game and emphasized the goalies’ responsibility.
“We are the backbone of the team, so we gotta be better,” Vladar said.
Asked whether the Flyers could build on their better stretches, Denver Barkey said: “We, we gotta execute for a full 60 minutes.”
Reporting is based on the Flyers’ posted postgame interview excerpts, including Tocchet’s 62-second recording, and the official NHL game record. NHL game report.
