Friedman Skeptical Flyers Will Fire Rick Tocchet Amid Skid
Elliotte Friedman said he would be surprised if Philadelphia fired coach Rick Tocchet despite the team's 0-5-2 start. Friedman believes general manager Danny Briere is leaning toward patience and may look for another way to spark the club. The Flyers have been outscored 28-8 and are off to the worst start in franchise history.
Elliotte Friedman shared on Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts podcast Monday that a Philadelphia coaching dismissal would catch him off guard. He thinks GM Danny Briere prefers patience and is searching for a different method to energize the roster.
The pressure follows a 4-1 loss to Carolina, where fans briefly chanted for Tocchet’s exit. Philadelphia sits 0-5-2, has been outscored 28-8, and owns the worst opening in club history. Tocchet accepted blame before Sunday’s game and, after a Tampa Bay loss, described his players as overly at ease. Last year’s 43-27-12 record and a first-round win over Pittsburgh bought him leeway. Konecny is on IR; Michkov has two points in seven games.
The Flyers’ slump and coaching speculation may affect Philadelphia fans, players, and team staff, shaping mood around games and local sports discussion. If patience continues, players could face sustained scrutiny, while a later change might reset expectations. For the broader NHL, the case could illustrate how teams weigh recent playoff success against early-season results, influencing how fans and media debate coaching stability.