Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes did not appreciate being benched by head coach John Tortorella against the Rangers on Saturday night — he made that clear to reporters in Philly on Monday.
"I'm never gonna say there's a benefit to being benched," Hayes said. "I don't think I should have been benched, but that's not my decision."
Tortorella's decision to make Hayes a healthy scratch on Saturday night left many scratching their heads in confusion as Hayes is the Flyers' leading scorer, posting nine goals and 29 points in 31 games this season.
The Flyers went on to lose 6-3 against the Rangers.
Tortorella chose not to disclose to reporters why Hayes was benched, but there was speculation that his sloppy defensive play was a contributing factor.
Hayes did not play a single shift in the third period against the New Jersey Devils on December 15 after causing a turnover that led to an odd-man rush.
The Flyers will wrap up their two-game homestand against the struggling Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.
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