"Those Kinds Of Things Get Their Attention': Maple Leafs Anticipate Response From Flyers' Surprising Benching of Captain Sean Couturier
The Maple Leafs knew the Flyers would be looking to avenge their loss last week. They just didn't necessarily expect that Philly's captain wouldn't be part of it.
PHILADELPHIA — The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 6-2 when both clubs met at Wells Fargo Center this past Thursday. But this time the Flyers will not have their captain in the lineup after head coach John Tortorella decided to bench the 2020 Selke Trophy winner.
"Obviously, something like scratching their captain, all those kinds of things get their team's attention," Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said of the move. "We certainly expect their best tonight."
On Feb 14, the Flyers named Couturier as their new team captain. When speaking to Flyers media on Tuesday morning, the forward he's spoken to Flyers head coach John Tortorella about the decision but not given much of an explanation as to why he wasn't playing.
"I know I've been struggling and trying to work on my game. Definitely frustrated the way I've been treated around (here) I guess lately." Couturier said. 'I've gotten the same answers as you guys that 'I need to see more'. I'm still looking to find out what this is.
Couturier has 11 goals and 25 assists in 64 games this season. Despite his absence from the lineup, Toronto's defense still expects a steady challenge from the Flyers who are clinging onto a one-point lead for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
"Especially a player like that, their captain, I think, you know, guys are going to step up in his spot," Maple Leafs defenseman Joel Edmundson said. "They obviously want him back in the lineup, they're going to do everything they can to win tonight.
"But, you know, we just got to come prepared for their best game."
The 31-year-old Couturier hasn't scored a goal in 15 games.
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