Does taking “the first step” constitute a rebuild? That’s what Philadelphia Flyers fans are wondering after season ticket holders received a letter from head coach John Tortorella on Monday.

The letter read like a keep-the-faith plea from the coach, who took over the team in the off-season.

“Now, I’m not gonna lie to you — and I want to be clear about this — we’re not there yet,” he wrote in the letter. “This year was the first step in building the future of the Flyers and restoring our reputation as one of the most respected teams in hockey.”

The Flyers are 21-22-9, good for 51 points and 13th place in the 16-team Eastern Conference. They are six points back of a wild-card playoff spot. The team has not made the playoffs the past two seasons and has had five head coaches in the last eight years.

“We’re in the midst of establishing an identity,” Tortorella wrote. “Not just any identity — but an identity that reflects the city of Philadelphia and the proud history of the Flyers organization.

“We need you with us. We’re going to get this right …”

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