NHL hits Flyers HC with heavy punishment following outburst

The NHL has hit Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella with a significant punishment following his ejection on Saturday night where he initially refused to leave the team's bench. The league announced on Sunday that Tortorella has been suspended for two games and also fined an additional $50,000 for his outburst and refusal to leave.

This marks the fourth time in Tortorella's NHL coaching career that he has been suspended by the league. 

Tortorella was infuriated during the Flyers' 7-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night following a Brayden Point goal increased his team's deficit to four goals. His outburst toward the on-ice officials following a series of penalty calls resulted in his ejection, which only further infuriated him.

All of this happened on a night when Tortorella was honored in Tampa Bay as part of the team's 20th anniversary celebration of the team's 2003-04 Stanley Cup win. Tortorella was the head coach of that team. 

Even before the punishment was announced Flyers team CEO Daniel Hilferty pledged to pay whatever fine the league imposed on Tortorella for his outburst. He might not be able to overturn the suspension, but his willingness to step up and pay the fine shows just how appreciative the Flyers organization is for Tortorella sticking up for his players.

The players on the roster almost certainly appreciate it as well.

Tortorella should be one of the front-runners for the NHL's coach of the year award. The Flyers entered the season in a rebuilding mode and were not considered contenders for a playoff spot. But even with their recent slump they remain in a playoff position in the Eastern Conference and have exceeded expectations all season.