The two teams are expected to have an intense confrontation when they meet again in the future.
In a fiery post-game press conference, Philadelphia Flyers head coach John
Tortorella tore into Boston Bruins’ star Brad Marchand and the entire Bruins
organization. The outburst came after the Flyers’ 4-3 loss to the Bruins on
Saturday night.
Tortorella, known for his outspoken personality, did not mince words when
discussing Marchand’s antics on the ice. “He’s a pest, he’s a diver, and he gets
away with it,” Tortorella said, his voice rising with indignation. “He’s a very
good player, but he’s also a very dirty player.”
Tortorella’s criticism didn’t stop at Marchand. He also took aim at the Bruins’
organization as a whole, accusing them of promoting a culture of dirty play.
“They’re a team that’s built on intimidation, and they get away with it,”
Tortorella said. “They’re cowards, and they hide behind their uniforms.”
The Flyers’ coach also expressed frustration with the officiating in the game,
feeling that Marchand and the Bruins received favorable treatment from the
referees. “It’s disgusting, the way they’re allowed to play,” Tortorella said. “It’s
not just Marchand, it’s the whole team. They’re a team that’s built on cheating,
and they get away with it.”
Tortorella’s outburst was likely motivated by a combination of factors,
including the Flyers’ frustrating loss and the perceived injustice of the
officiating. However, his comments are also likely to add fuel to the fire of the
already-heated rivalry between the Flyers and Bruins.
Marchand, for his part, seemed to take Tortorella’s comments in stride. “I’m
just trying to play my game and help my team win,” Marchand said in a post-
game interview. “If other teams don’t like the way I play, that’s not my
problem.”
The Bruins’ coach, Jim Montgomery, also responded to Tortorella’s
comments, defending his team’s physical style of play. “We’re a team that’s
built on hard work and physicality,” Montgomery said. “If other teams don’t
like that, that’s okay. We’re just going to keep playing our game.”
The rivalry between the Flyers and Bruins is sure to be intensified by
Tortorella’s comments, and the two teams will likely have a heated matchup
when they face off again in the future.
