Upgrade Your Fandom

Join the Ultimate Philadelphia Flyers Community!

In defense of 11 forwards? John Tortorella plans to stick with the lineup strategy

January 25, 2024

Jan 23, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale (9) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Don't like the Philadelphia Flyers' recent move to a 11-forward, seven-defenseman lineup?

John Tortorella used to be on your side. He's not anymore.

“I've never really liked the 11 and 7, but it's been very productive for me at the forward end, to bounce people in," the Flyers head coach said on Tuesday, just hours before he rolled with the lineup structure for the fourth consecutive game.

The 11F/7D structure is not the standard NHL lineup. Most teams roll with 12 forwards and six defensemen on a nightly basis, and for good reason. It's simply easier for coaches to manage in-game -- four lines of three forwards, three pairs of two defensemen -- and it's a lineup structure that fos...

Unlock Your Full PHLY Experience

This premium content is a PHLY Diehard exclusive.

Join the Diehard community to gain instant access to this article!

As a PHLY Diehard, you'll gain:

Unlimited access to all premium articles

Discounts on PHLY events and merchandise

Access to a community of passionate Philadelphia sports fans

An ad-free site experience

Upgrade your fandom and transform
the way you follow your favorite teams!

Unlock this article now!

Already a Diehard?

Comments

Share your thoughts

Join the conversation

The Comment section is only for diehard members

Unlock now

Open comments +

Scroll to next article

Don't like ads?

Become a Diehard

Stay Ahead of the Game: Sign Up for the PHLY DailySubscribe now to receive exclusive content, insider insights, and exciting updates right in your inbox.

Just drop your email below!