Philadephia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway was hit with a match penalty and game misconduct after what many around the hockey world believed was a clean hit on New Jersey Devils' D-man Luke Hughes on Thursday night.

Not only did outspoken Philly coach John Tortorella believe the hit didn't warrant a penalty, he also questioned the kind of league the NHL is becoming after the team's practice on Friday.

“That’s a problem in our league right now, our players in our league do not put enough emphasis with making sure your protecting yourself from hits like that,” Tortorella asserted. “We have kind of turned this league into the no hit league. Most players aren't ready to be hit.”

Certainly interesting comments from the Flyers bench boss, but although Hathaway's hit on Hughes was heavy, it looked clean.

“I think it’s a lost art in how you take hits,” Tortorella continued. “I’m not trying to run down the league. I just think we’ve taken away the policing of the game from the players…Back in the day, and I’m not trying to go way back, but you’ve got to learn how to take a hit…And if you do have a big hit, you shouldn’t have to fight someone two seconds later because it’s a big hit. That’s what I don’t get. Not blaming anybody; I just don’t like where that part of the game is going.”

Related Philadelphia Flyers NewsArticle continues below
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet on the bench against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at Rogers Arena.
Flyers’ head coach Rick Tocchet breaks silence on returning to Philadelphia
Vancouver Canucks Rick Tocchet looks on in the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena.
Flyers expected to announce Rick Tocchet as next head coach
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet gestures during a game against the Winnipeg Jets in the third period at Canada Life Centre.
NHL rumors: Flyers, Bruins, Kraken linked to former Canucks coach

John Tortorella has always been known for sticking up for his players, which is exactly what he did with Garnet Hathaway on Friday.

Flyers continue to battle

Despite the controversial play, the Flyers were able to salvage a point in the contest, losing 4-3 in overtime to the Devils. That puts Philadelphia 11-10-2, good enough for fifth place in the Metropolitan Division.

The Flyers are exceeding expectations; many believed this team wouldn't be ready to compete for a playoff berth for another few years as the rebuild continues in Pennsylvania. That doesn't seem to be the case, as Philly continues to hang around.

They'll look to get back in the win column — with Garnet Hathaway in the lineup — against the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Saturday night.