After a tough 4-0 shutout loss to the New York Islanders on Monday night, the Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in a precarious spot-and head coach Rick Tocchet isn't sugarcoating it. With the postseason picture tightening and opportunities dwindling, the Flyers let a key one slip through their fingers. A regulation win would’ve pulled them right back into the playoff mix, but instead, they’re now four points back and staring up at the Islanders, the very team they’re trying to leapfrog for that third spot in the Metropolitan Division.
And when Tocchet was asked postgame about Trevor Zegras, he didn’t hold back.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a bad night. This was a missed opportunity with playoff implications, and the frustration was evident-not just in the scoreline, but in the way the Flyers played.
Flat. Out of sync.
And in Tocchet’s eyes, not nearly aggressive enough.
That brings us to Zegras. The 24-year-old forward, who came to Philly with plenty of buzz and quickly established himself as the team’s top offensive weapon, has hit a wall.
Since December 30, Zegras has managed just four goals and seven points over 13 games. The Flyers, during that same stretch, have gone 4-7-2.
The numbers don’t lie, but the eye test might be even more telling. Zegras looks like a player who’s lost his spark-less dynamic, slower to react, and not nearly as engaged in the play as he was earlier in the season.
Tocchet made a notable in-game adjustment Monday, swapping Zegras with rookie Matvei Michkov. Michkov, who’s been trending up with his energy and effort, got the bump up the lineup.
Zegras, meanwhile, found himself skating alongside Noah Cates and Bobby Brink. That’s a demotion, plain and simple.
After the game, Tocchet explained the move with the kind of blunt honesty that’s become his trademark.
“Yeah, it’s been slipping. Not just tonight but I think a bunch of games,” Tocchet said.
“It looks like he’s not pushing the pace-he’s sort of waiting around. It’s a bunch of guys.
Our second guy-we call it second quick-was nowhere to be found. First guy goes in and you need your second guy to go in there and look for a puck or a body, and we’re late.
Trevor has been like that for a while now. So, he’s got to start to step up and push the pace.”
That’s not just coach-speak. It’s a tactical critique with real substance.
Tocchet is pointing to one of hockey’s core principles: puck support. Whether it’s entering the zone with possession, retrieving dump-ins, or sustaining offensive pressure, it takes a five-man effort.
And right now, Zegras isn’t pulling his weight in those moments.
It’s a stark contrast from how Zegras started his Flyers tenure. After being traded from Anaheim-a fresh start he seemed to embrace-he brought a jolt of creativity and confidence to Philly’s offense. He clicked with his teammates, led the scoring charts, and looked like a foundational piece for the Flyers’ future.
But the grind of the season is real, and right now, Zegras looks like he’s stuck in one of those inevitable valleys. Whether it’s fatigue, frustration, or just a rut, Tocchet’s message is clear: the Flyers need more from their top guy, especially with the playoff race heating up.
The good news? There’s still time to turn it around.
But that window won’t stay open forever. The Flyers head to Columbus on Wednesday to face the Blue Jackets, then travel to Boston for a tough back-to-back against the Bruins on Thursday.
It’s a critical stretch, and if Zegras can rediscover his early-season form, it could be the spark this team desperately needs.
For now, though, the Flyers are chasing-not just in the standings, but in their own effort. And Tocchet’s not afraid to call it like he sees it.