Panthers coach calls rookie Tippett 'best player' in loss to Flyers

The Florida Panthers are taking the positives from a loss. Well, one positive.

Following a 5-1 defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, Panthers coach Bob Boughner didn't like much about his club, save for rookie Owen Tippett's NHL debut.

"I thought he was our best player," Boughner said following the loss, according to FOX Sports Florida. "That's great for him, but I think other guys have got to check themselves in the mirror.

"If an 18-year-old playing his first game is your best player, then you're not going to have a chance to win many games, especially on the road."

The loss dropped the Panthers to 2-3-0.

Tippett, who was scratched in the previous four games, skated for more than 11 minutes against the Flyers. He finished with a team-leading seven shots.

Selected 10th overall in the 2017 draft, Tippett was a surprise pick to make the immediate jump to the NHL after completing just two seasons in junior. He scored 44 goals and collected 31 assists in 60 games with the OHL's Mississauga Steelheads last season.