As the Flyers get ready to face off against the Colorado Avalanche this Monday night, their momentum is undeniable. With seven wins in their past 11 games, including a three-game win streak, they’re in peak form. After taking down the San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, and Buffalo Sabres, it's clear that something’s clicking, but it's not just the goaltenders or forwards. Sure, Sam Ersson made a big stop against the Sharks and Ivan Fedotov locked it down for the next two wins, but there’s something else driving this success. What exactly is behind this hot streak?
Well, let’s start with the defense. The same six guys have been on the ice for all three of those victories. It’s not just about who’s skating but also about the consistency in their pairing. Special mention goes to Erik Johnson, who notched a career milestone on Saturday: his 1,000th NHL game. That kind of durability and reliability is crucial for a team looking to continue building on its success.
And then, there’s something that’s practically off the ice, but still playing a big role in the Flyers' recent run. Meet the team’s "secret weapon": black hoodies with a camo Flyers logo. This isn’t just a fashion statement. According to associate coach Brad Shaw, it’s all part of head coach John Tortorella’s plan. Tortorella, known for his strong personality and superstitions, decided to make these hoodies the team’s go-to benchwear. Shaw revealed that Tortorella’s decision was sparked by plenty of compliments from others around the league, and given the Flyers' recent success, they’re sticking with it.
But here's the twist—this isn’t the first time Tortorella has set trends when it comes to what a coach wears. Back in 2018, while with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tortorella was battling flu-like symptoms. Instead of the usual suit and tie, he wore a team hoodie, which set social media ablaze. It was a shocking break from tradition, but Tortorella didn’t stop there. During the COVID-19 bubble in 2020, he sported a navy blue quarter-zip mock turtleneck behind the bench, a casual yet sharp look. Other coaches, like Craig Berube of the St. Louis Blues and Rick Tocchet of the Arizona Coyotes, also leaned into non-traditional attire during that time, signaling a shift away from the old-school look.
This season, Tortorella has leaned into the bomber jacket trend, but the black hoodie remains a staple on the bench for him and his staff, including Shaw, assistant coaches Rocky Thompson and Darryl Williams. While not every player may be focused on the coaching staff’s wardrobe, some, like defenseman Nick Seeler, have noticed the consistency. Seeler, who’s not particularly superstitious, admits that seeing the coaches rocking their hoodies has a certain rhythm to it. As he put it, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Superstition may not be a huge factor for most of the Flyers, but there’s a definite sense of routine that guides them before each game. Seeler, for instance, doesn’t rely on superstition, but he does have his own game-day rituals. For forwards like Morgan Frost, it’s more about routine, with Frost joking that while he’s not exactly superstitious, he’s “a little stitious.” For winger Joel Farabee, it’s all about keeping things simple. If he scores in a period, he won’t retape his stick. Little habits like these help maintain focus and a sense of control.
Then there’s Egor Zamula, whose pre-game routine is almost as intricate as a science experiment. A big fan of pasta with chicken or salmon and a side of salad, Zamula makes sure to eat at exactly the same time on game days. He washes it down with his favorite beverage: chocolate milk. “I love chocolate milk,” he says with a grin. But it doesn’t stop there. A well-timed nap and a coffee with caramel and cream (iced, of course) are essential parts of his preparation. He’s even got it down to the science of nap time—too much sleep, and he wakes up groggy, but just the right amount keeps him sharp. Routine, not superstition, seems to be the key for Zamula.
For veteran forward Scott Laughton, superstition played a bigger role earlier in his career, but as he’s racked up 12 seasons in the NHL, it’s all about routine now. If he’s on a roll with a particular stick, he’ll keep it, but for the most part, he sticks to a consistent routine with his gear. On top of that, Laughton has become the team’s DJ since 2015, creating playlists that have become an integral part of the Flyers’ game-day experience. From the moment the players start taping their sticks around 4 p.m., they’re grooving to tunes like “New Orleans Is Sinking” by The Tragically Hip, a song that’s become a staple for Laughton’s pre-game rituals.
Now, when it comes to the goalies, you’d think superstition would be a big part of the equation. After all, goalies are known for their quirky habits. But Fedotov, the Flyers’ current starting goalie, isn’t overly concerned with superstitions. He admits he has a routine—he prefers to put on his right skate and right pad first—but he’s not obsessed with keeping things exactly the same after a win. “Five years ago, I would’ve tried to repeat everything the same after a win,” he shared, “but now, I’m easy. It’s more important to get good rest and keep my body and mind fresh.” With two wins under his belt, including his first NHL victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Fedotov’s steady play has helped the Flyers ride a three-game winning streak. As he continues to focus on rest and recovery, his consistency is something the Flyers hope will continue.
Speaking of the team’s current streak, fans are hoping for another win on Monday against the Avalanche. With Fedotov likely in net, the Flyers will look to extend their momentum. And, of course, the hoodies will be making another appearance. They were first worn on Military Appreciation Night at the Wells Fargo Center and quickly became a fan favorite. As Shaw aptly pointed out, “What we’re doing on the ice kind of pales in comparison to what these people are doing for the nation,” referring to the military. Wearing the hoodies is a tribute to those who have served, and the fact that the team is winning while sporting them only adds to their mystique.
As the Flyers continue their winning ways, the question remains: Will the hoodies remain their good luck charm? For now, the answer is clear: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Whether it’s the consistency of the defense, the routines of the players, or the cozy comfort of those black hoodies, the Flyers are on a roll—and they’re hoping to keep it going all season long.
In the meantime, fans are keeping their fingers crossed for more victories, hoping that the Flyers’ success—on and off the ice—continues. With Tortorella and his staff leading the way, there’s no telling just how far this team can go.
Quick Breakaways:
- Coach John Tortorella, despite being the oldest coach in the NHL at 66, is setting trends with his hoodie style.
- Defenseman Erik Johnson will be celebrated for his 1,000th NHL game before Monday’s matchup.
- Sam Ersson is out with a lower-body injury, so Fedotov will take the lead in net.
- Coach Shaw didn't have an update on defenseman Emil Andrae, who left the game on Saturday with an injury.
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