The Daily: Torts Questions If Flyers Have ‘The Balls’; Crosby Feat

Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella never pulls his punches in his post-game press briefings. When he’s not happy with his team, everybody knows it.

PHN’s Jonathan Bailey offers the details of Tortorella’s criticism of his team after a 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Islanders. This game is important to the Detroit Red Wings because they are one point behind the Flyers. Philadelphia currently holds third place in the Metropolitan Division, but Washington is also one point back and has three games in hand. The expectation is the Flyers will end up in the fight for the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference.

“There are certain people that don’t have a clue how to play,” Tortorella explained. “Or just don’t have it in them to play in these types of situations. This is why I’m glad we’re playing, because we have to figure things out, as far as what we’re going to become as a team here.

“That was an embarrassing second period for the Philadelphia Flyers uniform, the way we played. Embarrassing. High marks as far as how we came back in the third period. Some guys.”

Tortorella doesn’t accept fatigue as an excuse.

“If you don’t have the balls to play in these types of games, rest doesn’t do us any good,” Tortorella said.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Alex Lyon played a significant role in the Red Wings’ 4-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Detroit went 3-0 against the Lightning this season.
• Two Detroit Red Wings prospects will be playing in the NCAA Frozen Four starting April 11. One of them is Kris Draper’s son, Kienan.
• Detroit first-round draft pick Sebastian Cossa has helped the Grand Rapids Griffins earn at least one point in 17 consecutive games. He hasn’t lost a game in regulation in 80 days.

Red Wings Next Game

After pulling off a critical road win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Red Wings have three days to prepare for an equally important contest against the New York Rangers on Friday. They also play Sunday at home against the Buffalo Sabres. The Red Wings were 1-2-2 on their five-game road trip, earning four out of a possible 10 points.  The Rangers lost 5-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins Monday. Before then, the Rangers had won seven of their last eight. Since Jan. 27, the Rangers are 20-5-1.

Hockey Now Network

Calgary: Trevor Neufeld explores what has happened with the Calgary Flames since rtheir UFA selloff before the trade deadline. It’s not pretty.

Chicago:  Nate Brown weighs in on whether the Chicago Blackhawks should pursue a trade for Trevor Zegras in the offseason.

Nashville: NHN’s Michael Gallagher looks at the Nashville Predators‘ interest in top college free agents.

Pittsburgh: Wayne Crosby ties Gretzky record in Pittsburgh Penguins win against the New York Rangers.

San Jose: Sheng Peng looks at what former Detroit Red Wings player Klim Kostin needs to do to maximize his value to the San Jose Sharks.