Head Coach John Tortorella apologizes to Flyers Media

PUBLICATION

Tom Banks
March 26, 2024 (7:07 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

John Tortorella is one of the remaining old-school coaches in the NHL, but today he turned a new leaf when he apologized to the Flyers media in a shock move.

John Tortorella has no shortage of controversial press conference appearances throughout his time as a Head Coach in the NHL, but today, it was shocking for a completely different reason. Recently, he blew off the media when they asked about Felix Sandstrom's goaltending performance, and today, Tortorella shocked the NHL world by apologizing to the media in Philadelphia.

Tortorella this morning apologized for his non-response when asked about goalie Felix Sandstrom's play Sunday: "I made a terrible mistake with you guys the other night. You might have asked me about Sanny. My body language was wrong. What I should have said to you was he tried. Sanny tried. Things happened this year that put our goaltending situation into a state of flux. Sanny did not deserve that from me. You had the perfect right to ask that question. He did not deserve that from me. It was wrong."

In his apology, Tortorella not only acknowledged that he handled the situation wrong, but also complimented Sandstrom on his effort, despite the 4-1 loss to the dominant Florida Panthers. He also acknowledged just how the goaltending situation in Philadelphia has been inconsistent after the departure of Carter Hart, but now, with Alexei Kolosov on the way, the Flyers goaltending group may be shaken up again in a big way.

Regardless of that situation, it's great to see Tortorella act this way towards the media, and while it may be a one-time thing, it's another example of how he's grown as a Head Coach over the years.