(New York) Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella was suspended for two games and fined US$50,000 for unprofessional conduct toward referees and refusing to leave his post behind the bench after receiving a game misconduct.
The incident occurred Saturday, in the first period of the Flyers’ eventual 7-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Flyers had just allowed a fourth goal to the Lightning in 10:49 of play when Tortorella’s comments towards the referees earned him a bench minor penalty and a game misconduct.
At the time, Tortorella refused to head to the locker room, protesting against the referee’s decision. He finally left his post after a few moments.
Tortorella will therefore miss the games of March 12 against the San Jose Sharks and March 14 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The amount of the fine will be donated to the NHL Foundation.