We have made it to the All-Star Break of the NHL season. And the Flyers, though still near the bottom of the conference, have surprised people and exceeded expectations. And to discuss his team’s performance in the first half of the season, head coach John Tortorella joined The Best Show Ever. What did he like about his team’s performance up till the All-Star Break? Are there areas he still needs them to improve in? Tortorella discussed that and more. Here is what he had to say.
On what his thought are on his team overall at the All-Star Break
“For most of the year, we have been pretty consistent in developing our hardness as a group. Playing hard. We have handled some adversity. I don’t know how many games we lost in a row. But we found our way through the month of January. Found some footing. We have slowly been consistent in the style of play that we want to develop here. Have we gotten where we want to go? No. Do we need to change players out? Yes. Do we need to add some youth? Yes. Do we need to get rid of some veterans? Yes. There are still a lot of questions that will come to light when the season is over, and we see where we are standing.”
On Carter Hart
“I think he is on the road to it. When I watch him play, the thing I like about him is how he handles himself. Whether it is a good start or a bad start, I don’t think he gets away from who he is. He is steady that way. And he is under a lot of pressure. It is a team that is trying to get better defensively. I do think we have improved in front of him. But we still give up a lot of chances. He is a mainstay on our team. I think he is going about his business the right way. He has probably been the most consistent player on his team.”
On If Any Players Have Emerged as a Leader
“No I wouldn’t tell you anyway.”
You can listen to the full interview with John Tortorella below…