Flyers Captain Calls Team Soft After Loss
Sean Couturier and Nick Seeler criticized the Philadelphia squad's physical play after a 5-2 defeat by the Washington Capitals.
By Samuel Hayes ·
Sean Couturier told reporters on Wednesday that the Philadelphia Flyers played too soft in their loss to the Washington Capitals. The captain made the comment after the Flyers fell 5-2 at Capital One Arena, a game where the team struggled to win puck battles and appeared hesitant in the corners.
Couturier said the team needs to improve its physicality because it is a men's game that requires winning one-on-one battles. He noted that the Flyers lose these battles easily and that competing hard is a basic part of the sport. Nick Seeler agreed with his teammate, stating that the team must beat checks and retrieve pucks consistently to fix the issue.
The Capitals controlled the pace of the game, scoring first at 1:50 of the first period. Alex Tuch fired a shot from about 15 feet past Flyers goaltender Joseph Woll. Tuch finished the game with two goals, including an empty netter in the closing minutes. The Flyers trailed 4-1 after the second period before Matvei Michkov scored on the power play to make it 4-3.
Couturier tied the score temporarily in the second period with his first goal of the season. He tipped in a shot past Washington goaltender Logan Thompson. However, the Capitals retook the lead with goals from Jordan Kyrou and Aliaksei Protas. Kyrou scored twice, with his first goal coming 11 seconds after Trevor Zegras entered the penalty box.
Coach Rick Tocchet supported the assessment from his players. He said the team was inconsistent in its battle throughout the year and became shy at certain points in the game. Tocchet acknowledged that the team is smaller in size but argued that this is not an excuse for failing to win loose pucks. He emphasized that players must be physical and avoid playing pond hockey.
The Flyers have not won at Capital One Arena since January 14, 2023. They are 1-6-3 when they allow the first goal of a game. The team will play its next game against the Utah team on Sunday at 4 p.m. at home.
The Flyers adjusted their defensive pairings for this game. Jamie Drysdale was moved to the first pairing with Travis Sanheim. Cam York and Seeler formed the second unit, while rookies Oliver Bonk and Hunter McDonald played together.
