Tortorella suspended 2 games for refusing to leave Flyers bench
NEW YORK — Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella was suspended for two games and fined $50,000 by the NHL on Sunday for unprofessional conduct directed at the officials by refusing to leave the bench area after a game misconduct.
Tortorella reluctantly left the bench Saturday night after receiving the game misconduct and a bench minor early in the Flyers’ 7-0 loss at Tampa Bay.
Tortorella expressed displeasure toward the officials, and then repeatedly told referees Wes McCauley and Brandon Schrader that he would not leave. He relented after a couple of minutes and headed to the locker-room. Tortorella was replaced by associate coach Brad Shaw.
Tortorella will miss homes games Tuesday night against San Jose and Thursday night against Toronto.
