BOSTON — Following the Bruins’ 4-3 overtime victory against the Flyers on Saturday at TD Garden, Flyers coach John Tortorella accused the Bruins of diving to draw penalties, a claim quickly dismissed by Bruins interim coach Joe Sacco.
“That’s not who we are. That’s not how we play,” Sacco said. “It’s not what this team is about.”
Tortorella didn’t wait for reporters’ questions before airing his frustration.
“Let me just start with this: one thing I teach my team is not to dive,” Tortorella said. “Maybe I should start teaching them, given how things are going, the way this stuff happens. Maybe it’s time we learn how to dive.”
The Flyers were assessed eight penalties during the game, while the Bruins were called for only four. Tortorella was visibly upset on the bench after Garnet Hathaway was penalized for tripping Mason Lohrei midway through the third period, despite what appeared to be minimal contact.
Another key moment came late in regulation when Sean Couturier was called for tripping David Pastrnak with just 1:57 left in a 2-2 tie, giving the Bruins another power-play opportunity.
“We emphasize playing an honest game—no cheating, no showing up the referees,” Tortorella said. “What went on tonight was ridiculous. I’m proud of how our team competed. Did we let another one slip away? Sure, but other factors played a role in that as well.”
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