Philadelphia’s difficult stretch continued on Saturday, losing 3-2 in overtime to the LA Kings. It sparked fierce criticism from frustrated fans directed at Flyers coach Rick Tocchet.
The defeat was Philadelphia’s fourth consecutive and extended its slump to 11 losses in its last 13 games. Flyers fans voiced their frustration on social media after the game. Some called for Tocchet to be fired, while others questioned the organization’s leadership and compared it to long-struggling franchises of other sports.
“Fire this guy,” a fan wrote.
“This organization is a complete waste of time. They are quickly becoming the Cleveland Browns of the NHL,” a fan said.
Several fans questioned Tocchet’s approach to practice and player development. Others pointed to what they view as nepotism in the hiring process.
“He keeps blaming practice time. But keeps getting smoked by teams who also have limited practice time. Cut ties, seriously. Call Brad Shaw. Let’s get someone who doesn’t hate Youth,” another fan wrote.
“C’omon Danny, make a move. Tocchet clearly is not talented coach,” one fan commented.
“Never has a coach exposed himself for what he actually is so quickly. Rick Tocchet is NOT a GOOD NHL Head Coach, Rick Tocchet is NOT a DECENT NHL Head Coach. He’s a former Flyer and friend of Danny Briere and Keith Jones and that’s the ONLY reason he’s the Head Coach. GFY Flyers!” a fan tweeted.
“One of the worst coaches in the league. Gambling fraud and Dinosaur of the game. Has no idea how to use offensive players. Huge quitter too when it gets tough,” another fan said.
Flyers forward Travis Konecny hit the post on a breakaway opportunity before Kings forward Quinton Byfield scored the game-winner at 2:48 of the extra period. Despite goals from Konecny and Trevor Zegras, Philadelphia couldn’t hold off Adrian Kempe’s two-goal performance.
The Flyers (23-17-8) are clinging on to fourth place in the Metropolitan Division.
Rick Tocchet joined Flyers in May
The outpouring of frustration came just months into Rick Tocchet’s tenure as the Flyers’ coach. He was hired on May 14 and became the 25th coach in franchise history. Tocchet reportedly signed a five-year contract that made him one of the NHL’s highest-paid coaches.
He joined Philadelphia with impressive credentials, winning the Jack Adams Award in 2024 for his work with the Vancouver Canucks. The hiring was also a homecoming for Tocchet. He played 11 of his 18 NHL seasons with the Flyers and was enshrined into the team’s Hall of Fame.
Tocchet replaced John Tortorella after he was fired on March 27. The franchise was hopeful that he could end its playoff drought and develop young talent, particularly prized rookie Matvei Michkov.
Philadelphia is looking to snap its losing streak versus the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. The Flyers are also aiming to salvage what remains of their season and restore their frustrated fans’ faith.
Edited by Anjum Rajonno
