Flyers coach John Tortorella was suspended for two games and fined by the NHL – NBC Sports Philadelphia

Flyers coach John Tortorella was suspended for two games and fined $50,000 for his actions Saturday night when he was ejected in the first period of his team's 7-0 loss to the Lightning.

The NHL announced its decision Sunday night, stating that Tortorella demonstrated “unprofessional conduct directed toward officials by refusing to leave the bench area following a game misconduct evaluation.”

Tortorella will not coach the Flyers at home Tuesday against the Sharks and Thursday against the Maple Leafs.

The money from the fine will go to the NHL Foundation.

Comcast Spectacor Chairman and CEO and Flyers Governor Dan Hilferty told Flyers Pre and Postgame Live analyst Al Morganti that he would cover Tortorella's fine.

Tortorella got the ball just 10:49 into the game at Amalie Arena. He appeared on an NBC Sports Philadelphia broadcast angry at officials after receiving word that he had been thrown.

Brayden Point had just scored Tampa Bay's fourth goal on a power play. Tortorella clearly did not agree with some of the sanctions imposed on his club.

Rookie defenseman Ronnie Attard was booed for tripping and winger Garnet Hathaway was fouled after 38 seconds. The point was scored 47 seconds later on a Hathaway penalty kick, putting the Lightning in complete control.

Tortorella's firing soured what should have been a special weekend for the veteran coach. He returned to Tampa Bay, where he led the Lightning to their first-ever Stanley Cup title. The organization was celebrating the tournament's 20th anniversary with an event-filled alumni weekend.

Flyers assistant coaches Brad Shaw, Rocky Thompson and Darrell Williams are expected to fill the bench in Tortorella's absence.

With 17 games remaining, the rebuilding Tortorella club has 74 points at 33-24-8 and holds a spot in the playoffs in the Metropolitan Division. The Flyers, in third place since the end of January, entered Sunday with a 68.5 percent chance of reaching the postseason, according to NBC. Hockey-Reference.com's Prospects Report.

They have had some difficulties in March and will face it without their head coach for the next two matches.

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