The struggling Flyers bring moms to Boston to face the Bruins

BOSTON – John Tortorella has a few things on his mind these days as his club is mired in a 2-6-1 rout.

“I think we all need to get better. I think the coaches need to get better. I think the players have to get better,” he said, adding that the problems are even greater because it is the start of the season.

Other than perhaps the cap lifter on Oct. 11 in Vancouver, the team has struggled to stay disciplined and effectively use its speed, precision bursts and transition game. The consistent, high-energy hockey the Flyers showed last season was inconsistent. Sure, there were some good moments, but disjointed And separated have been mentioned countless times from the staff to the players, and it's obvious when you watch from the seats.

For a coach who likes to assess things step by step, the Flyers' game on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins (7 p.m., NBCSP) is No. 10 on the schedule for Tortorella and his team. “It’s going to be scary,” he said of facing the opening block when it happens.

“Sometimes it takes a while to really realize how bad some things are. I think that’s our job,” Tortorella said. “We have to keep the balance and try to be as positive as possible to get out of this situation, but also be as honest as necessary about how bad some things are.” And that's the balancing act “I'm dealing with it right now because there are some things happening that are just unacceptable, but you can't constantly oppress your team.”

Tortorella doesn't believe in the sandwich philosophy of two positives and one negative – and right now the positives are limited. On Monday night, he analyzed the footage of Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. “I want to show a positive result,” he said. “I do. I think we have to have this. But the tape doesn't lie.”

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It's true, the Flyers aren't doing so well. For everyone: Sometimes when things aren't going well, a hug from mom, any mom, can make it better. So it's not a bad time that the Flyers have 15 moms available on the trip to Boston to spread good vibes and hugs.

“I think it comes at a good time,” said forward Owen Tippett, whose mother Tracy is on the trip. “Of course it's a piece of home and whenever you have them around it's always special. And whenever you think about things, it’s kind of strange to have them here.”

Last season, the Flyers' fathers spent time with their children in Nashville and Philly. This year it's the turn of mothers in Boston and at home.

“Yes, it's amazing. My dad has been through a few of them now, so it’s time for mom to come along,” said forward Scott Laughton. “She is very excited. My father is a little jealous.

“Honestly, it's amazing to see what we go through every day – just getting on the plane, I think that's one of the coolest things for her. And yes, it is incredible. It’s very special.”

Laughton's mother Bonnie was promoted to grandmother last week when Scott and his wife Chloe welcomed their son Reed. Always a supportive mother, she told young Laughton that he played a good game “no matter what.” However, it is not confirmed whether she picked up the packed lunch on the way to the rink or the snacks in Boston.

Defender Jamie Drysdale's mother, Tina, brought a treat with her from Canada.

“I make these spicy wonton-wrapped crackers, and he's always loved them, so I bring them to him every time I come over,” Tina Drysdale said, adding that she gets calls from her “really jealous “I keep ignoring my husband, “because I have fun with the mothers and it’s my turn with Jamie.”

Tina Drysdale, a “hockey mom,” enjoys experiencing the everyday life of an NHL player. She talks about how cool the plane was, but is also happy that her 22-year-old son is doing well. And Jamie is happy to have her in Massachusetts too.

“I think, to be honest, everyone likes having their mom around,” he said. “I don't know who wouldn't do that. So, yeah, it's a comfort thing. It's nice, yes, it's nice to have her here. And hopefully we can turn things around.”

The hope is that the turnaround begins at TD Garden against a Boston team (4-4-1) that is also struggling to find its footing.

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“I think it’s definitely nice to have them here after a game like that,” Laughton said of Sunday’s loss to the Canadiens. “Just a little new perspective, I guess, and a new way of looking at things. And yes, we have to give them a show tonight.”

Outliers

Bobby Brink will return to the lineup and Nick Deslauriers will be a healthy replacement. Based on the line combinations in the morning skate, Brink will be on the same line as Laughton and Joel Farabee. … Morgan Frost, who started on the fourth row on Sunday, is back in the top six and sits between Tippett and Tyson Foerster.