The Philadelphia Flyers continue to search for answers this season. They’re coming off a 3-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday and sit third from the bottom in the Metropolitan Division with a 15-9-3 record.

Amid the struggles, head coach Rick Tocchet has drawn attention for his recent lineup decisions, and his explanation for them quickly went viral among fans.

Rick Tocchet’s Rotation Explanations Spark Frustration Among Flyers Fans

With the Flyers down a goal and just over five minutes remaining in the third period on Sunday, Tocchet rolled out his fourth line. On Monday, he defended the decision, saying he put the fourth line out with five minutes left because several players on the bench were tired and he didn’t feel it was the right moment to use them.

“I’ve heard some people, ‘It’s better to put this guy in, this and that.’ I think that’s bulls–t, personally,” Tocchet said. “This is a team thing. I’m a culture guy and we’re building a culture here.”

Fans didn’t agree with his reasoning. One fan fired back, arguing that the only culture that matters in the NHL is winning, saying, “Have to develop the talent first. Tocchet has been a coach for 9 years & has made the playoffs once (bubbles fake). Has a record of 301 wins & 364 losses, culture of losing.”

Another fan criticized the late-game usage, “Ah yes let’s put the 4th line out there (that hasn’t scored a goal all season) while we’re down a goal with 5 minutes left. Unserious hockey team.” One user joked that since the fourth line can’t score, they might as well finish the season with zero goals. “Would have to be a pro hockey record, right?”

Another user mocked Tocchet’s “culture guy” comment, saying, “Culture Guy, Science Guy, Puzzle Guy.” One fan thinks Tocchet is forcing a lineup decision that clearly doesn’t fit the situation: “Trying to shove a round peg into a square hole – the flyer way.”

This fan is upset that Tocchet gave significant late-game minutes to Nicolas Deslauriers, who hasn’t contributed offensively. They also criticize starting goalie Sam Ersson. The fan feels Tocchet’s explanation is just “BS” to cover up bad decisions.

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Part of the frustration stems from the fourth line’s lack of production. Garnet Hathaway and Nicolas Deslauriers have yet to record a point. In contrast, Rodrigo Ābols has only one goal in 22 games.