John Tortorella Confirms a Setback in Sean Couturier's Rehab
Sean Couturier is one of, if not THE, most important Philadelphia Flyers at the moment, and his back injury is keeping him from the lineup to start the 2022-23 season. John Tortorella has the guys playing exactly how they need to in order to win - at least, six games in - but getting Couturier back was always a massive piece of this puzzle.
Initially, he was always going to miss the first stretch of the season, but there was errant optimism that he might return before the holiday break. I'm afraid that possibility has undergone a setback, according to Tortorella.
Jordan Hall of NBC Sports - Philadelphia reports that - per Torts - Couturier has stopped skating.
"John Tortorella said Sean Couturier has stopped skating, said he's not ready to be skating right now. Couturier was skating and had said he felt good recovering from back reinjury."
Philadelphia has gotten off to possibly the most surprising start of the season in spite of Couturier's absence. A bottom-feeder last season, they did not add a whole lot to suggest such a variance in their results, but that just goes to show the power of Torts. The Flyers are currently 4-2 but are tied for the second-worst goal differential of teams in playoff position as of today (+3); Florida is last with an even differential.
Clearly, they are comfortable grinding out games and riding their goaltender to victories. Hey, no gripes here; whatever gets the two points.
Still, I can't help but to wonder how this team would look with Couturier. The 2011 8th overall pick is exactly Tortorella's kind of player. Blue collar, never cheats, and is an absolute beast along the walls and in any situation. His absence, regardless how well the Flyers play, is undoubtedly felt in the dressing room.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 27 | 119 ANSWERS John Tortorella Confirms a Setback in Sean Couturier's Rehab Will Sean Couturier play this season? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 40.3 % |
| No | 71 | 59.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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