Brilliant Couturier: Double and Assists in Tocchet’s Flyers Debut

Sean Couturier, captain of the Philadelphia Flyers, has proven his worth after overcoming back problems and a tense relationship with his previous coach. With a new coach, Rick Tocchet, Couturier has shown his productive potential for the team.

A New Beginning for Couturier

In Tocchet’s debut as home coach, Couturier scored two goals and two assists, leading the Flyers to a 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers, the current Stanley Cup champions.

I think he trained hard this year. He arrived at camp in very good condition. When your captain arrives in good condition, it helps the coach. It was nice that he came in very good shape for us.

Rick Tocchet

Couturier, 32, has been out of action with back problems and was even a substitute under the previous coach, John Tortorella. Now, with a solid relationship with Tocchet, the player is regaining his confidence. Couturier, who debuted in the 2011-12 season, became the athlete with the longest tenure in Philadelphia after Brandon Graham’s retirement.

The Impact of Rick Tocchet

Tocchet received a warm welcome at the home opener, with hopes of leading the Flyers to the playoffs. Tocchet, who played over a decade with Philadelphia, begins his fourth stint as head coach after time with Tampa Bay, Arizona, and Vancouver. Tocchet took over after Tortorella was fired, with nine games remaining in a losing season for the team, which hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020.

I love this first type of victory, but I’m happy for the guys, for the way they’ve been working on the concepts.

Rick Tocchet

Philadelphia, which was a model franchise in the league, has one of the longest championship droughts in the NHL. The Flyers haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1974 and 1975. The team paid tribute to Bernie Parent, who passed away in September, with a tribute and a patch on the jersey with his retired number “1”.

It was a great effort in his honor. He will definitely be missed around here. We used to see him at the games all the time. He always had that quality of just lighting everything up and putting a smile on everyone’s face.

Sean Couturier

Dan Vladar, with 24 saves, earned his first win with the Flyers and was the first player to wear a Parent-style goalie mask. Vladar helped the Panthers suffer their first loss in four games.

Every single one of the guys had goosebumps during the ceremony. It was a sad thing, but what a great player and what a great person he was.

Dan Vladar