Flyers Atkinson issues surprise statement calling out his teammates after 3-1 loss to Rangers
A Stanley Cup contender in the New York Rangers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers, 3-1, today.
Although the Flyers outshot the Rangers 37-19, they only scored one goal against Laviolette's team.
It was easy for the Rangers, however, as they scored three goals throughout the game.
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Meanwhile, the Flyers power-play failed to convert six times against the New York Rangers today. Neither head coach John Tortorella nor forward Cam Atkinson were pleased with the team's performance.
«Just way too many odd-man rushes,» Tortorella said flatly. «We were nowhere to be found in our backchecking. . . we did not have any support».
«I'm not gonna talk about the power play,» Tortorella said, directly before attempting to leave the podium. «Once I get away from you guys, I'm getting on the bus and going. Can I leave now? Thank you».
«I'm not gonna talk about the power play,» Tortorella said, directly before attempting to leave the podium. «Once I get away from you guys, I'm getting on the bus and going. Can I leave now? Thank you».
While playing under Tortorella in Columbus, Atkinson did not spare his teammates criticism. In their play against the Rangers, Atkinson found the team lacking effort and discipline.
In addition to the New York Rangers' two odd-man rush goals, a Travis Sanheim error also contributed to one. They failed to backcheck, and if they had, the game would have been tied at 1-1.
«First period, we talked about it in between periods that we've never seen so many odd-man rushes come at us � 2-on-1s, 3-on-2s,» Atkinson started. «Our D are playing such a � they're anticipating the play and trying to surf, and hoping that our forwards are covering for them. But the forwards were not, clearly,» he stated, matter-of-factly.
«We're trying to cheat a little bit instead of erring out on the more cautious side and supporting our D,» the veteran added. «Everyone wants to make plays, but at the same time, you have to play defense first».
«We're trying to cheat a little bit instead of erring out on the more cautious side and supporting our D,» the veteran added. «Everyone wants to make plays, but at the same time, you have to play defense first».
After a five-game win streak the team pieced together, they're not short of putting pressure on themselves and teammates in light of their mistakes.
| POLL | ||
25 NOVEMBRE | 183 ANSWERS Flyers Atkinson issues surprise statement calling out his teammates after 3-1 loss to Rangers Do you think Cam Atkinson was right to call out his teammates? | ||
| Yes | 154 | 84.2 % |
| No | 29 | 15.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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