PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Sean Couturier wrestled with a bad back and slogged through a strained relationship with his former coach in recent years and — at times — it was too close to call which hurdle irked the Philadelphia Flyers' captain more.
Feeling healthy and starting the season with a clean slate under new coach Rick Tocchet, Couturier flashed a reminder of just how productive he can be for a Flyers team itching to move out of a rebuild and into the playoffs.
Couturier had two goals and two assists to make Tocchet a winner in his home coaching debut and lift the Philadelphia Flyers to a 5-2 win over the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Monday night.
“I think he trained hard this year. He came into camp in really good condition,” Tocchet said of Couturier. “