Philadelphia Flyers Coach John Tortorella About to Send Message to his Captain

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TJ Tucker
March 19, 2024 (8:01)

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Philadelphia Flyers captain Sean Couturier about to get a harsh message from John Tortorella

The Philadelphia Flyers have had a much better than expected season under the watch of head coach John Tortorella. However, it seems one player has managed to get in his doghouse lately, and may be on the verge of being punished for it.

Philadelphia captain Sean Couturier has been having a mediocre season in 2023. He's had his ice time cut down considerably over the past 10+ games, going from his usual 17 minutes or so, all the way down to 11 to 13 minutes. He hasn't scored a goal since Feb. 10, and has just one assist in his last five. According to a report, Couturier may find himself as a healthy scratch in the Flyers next game.

"Rumours that Sean Couturier might be a healthy scratch tomorrow night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. #LetsGoFlyers"

There is some thought online that this would have happened sooner had Couturier not had a C on his jersey.

"i didn't even know captains could be scratched but it was bound to happen. if he wasn't captain it would have happened already."

I'm not sure when Couturier might have been a healthy scratch the last time in his NHL career, if ever, but it certainly wouldn't have been for a while. Tortorella is known for not picking favourites and treating everyone equally regardless of whether they're a star player or a fringe NHLer. Still, this is a bold move, if he actually makes it. There's always a risk it could backfire and blow up in his face.