NHL suspends John Tortorella 2 games after he refused to leave bench during first period against the Lightning on Saturday night

The National Hockey League has suspended Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella for two games after he refused to leave the bench following his ejection from Saturday’s 7-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

On Sunday, it was announced that Tortorella’s suspension will also include a $50,000 fine, citing “unprofessional conduct directed at the officials by refusing to leave the bench area after being assessed a game misconduct.”

The incident took place in the first period after the Flyers fell behind 4-0 early to the lightning. Referee Wes McCauley issued Tortorella a game misconduct on the heels of the Tampa Bay’s fourth goal, a penalty that comes with an automatic ejection. 

John Tortorella Ejected from Flyers-Lightning Game

Torts didn't want to leave the bench after being ejected. 😳 pic.twitter.com/VTt70Bho49

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 10, 2024

Torts refused to leave the bench and instead stood yelling at McCauley – giving his best Leonardo DiCaprio “I’m not leaving” from Wolf of Wall Street impression. 

John Tortorella, Basically

NHL Official Release: 

Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella has been suspended for two games and fined $50,000 for unprofessional conduct directed at the officials by refusing to leave the bench area after being assessed a game misconduct at 10:49 of the first period of NHL Game No. 1,016 on Saturday, March 9, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell announced today.

Tortorella will miss the Flyers’ next two games — March 12 versus the Sharks and March 14 versus the Maple Leafs.

The fine money goes to the NHL Foundation.

Phans of Philly Opens Up PAWS Fundraiser in Support of John Tortorella

Let's all stand up for Torts and consider making a donation towards something he is passionate about!

We started a fundraiser through PAWS!https://t.co/EUabAxyb1f

— Phans of Philly – Road Game Tailgates & Travel! (@PhansofPhilly) March 10, 2024

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