Flyers Hold Tocchet Despite Record-Setting Skid and 0-5-2 Start

Key points

• Flyers are 0-5-2 with a franchise-record seven-game losing streak to start the 2026-27 season.
• Trevor Zegras stated the team is 'fully behind' Tocchet, emphasizing the group's close-knit nature.
• Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet said he would be surprised if the Flyers fired Tocchet, noting his five-year contract and recent playoff success.
• The Flyers lost 4-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes on October 12, extending the skid.
• GM Danny Briere is frustrated but not looking to 'run Tocchet out of town' according to Friedman.
• The Flyers face the Seattle Kraken and Detroit Red Wings next, with pressure expected to increase if they lose to non-playoff teams.

Background

The Flyers reached the second round of the playoffs last season under Tocchet. The current season has been marked by a historic 7-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins and a 5-1 defeat to the Boston Bruins. Tocchet overhauled the lineup after a 0-2-2 start, but the team remains outscored 28-8 in seven games. Travis Konecny was placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury.

How outlets are covering it

Broad Street Hockey and NHL.com report that the Flyers are fully behind Tocchet, with players like Trevor Zegras and Christian Dvorak expressing support and a desire to turn things around. NHL.com notes the Flyers are the first team to start a season with seven straight losses since the Vancouver Canucks in 2022-23. Canes Country highlights the contrast between last season's accolades for Tocchet and current calls for his head. Friedman, cited by Broad Street Hockey, emphasizes that while Briere is frustrated, the 'wildcards are ownership' and he does not expect a coaching change. Friedman also notes limited trade options due to no-trade clauses and recent contracts, suggesting the Flyers may need to 'light a match' through other means or hope the group turns itself around.

Why it matters

The Flyers' failure to win in seven games despite a high-expectation offseason and a recent playoff run creates significant pressure on the organization. A coaching change could provide a fresh start, but the team's current roster constraints and contract commitments limit Briere's options. The upcoming games against the Kraken and Red Wings will be critical in determining whether the Flyers can reverse the skid or if the pressure on the front office and ownership will intensify.

What to watch

The Flyers will face the Seattle Kraken and Detroit Red Wings this week. If they lose to these non-playoff teams, the pressure on Danny Briere, Keith Jones, and Dan Hilferty will increase. The team must improve its 'compete level' and consistency to avoid a coaching change or other drastic measures.