John Tortorella defends Sheldon Keefe hours before Leafs-Flyers matchup

There's absolutely no two ways about it. Fiery National Hockey League coach John Tortorella pulls no punches and tells it how he sees it - regardless of how literally anyone else feels about it. 

He's once again back behind the bench with the Philadelphia Flyers, and immediately began his rule in the City of Brotherly Love with an iron fist with his first negative impressions of the overall health of the dressing room. The good news, however, is that his message seems to be resounding with the young Flyers, who have impressed with a 5-2-2 record so far in the young 2022-23 NHL Season. 

His Flyers are in Toronto tonight to take on the high-powered but suddenly struggling Toronto Maple Leafs, and prior to the two teams taking on once another on the ice, he had some words of encouragement for Leafs bench boss Sheldon Keefe. 

Tortorella went to bat for Keefe, defending him from what he sees as unfair treatment from the tight scrutiny that is the norm in a hockey-mad market such as Toronto. 

"You guys don't know what he's done for that team," Tortorella said about Keefe. "You guys chuck darts at him because you want some results... He's a terrific coach. I hope he jams it to you all, quite honestly. Not tonight."

Keefe is facing intense pressure this season from fans and pundits alike to help guide the Leafs to their 1st postseason round victory in 23 years, and he's already addressed potential uncertainty regarding his job security.

However, it appears as though if he needs a vote of confidence, Tortorella was more than eager to offer it up.