Tortorella contrite after Classic rip job
TARRYTOWN, N.Y.— Offering a detailed series of apologies, New York Rangers coach John Tortorella expressed regret Wednesday for his comments after the NHL Winter Classic. Tortorella had suggested the game’s on-ice officials conspired with the league and NBC with a goal of sending the game to overtime or a shootout. After the Rangers practised Wednesday afternoon, Tortorella began his media briefing by asking for some time to clear the air. “I tainted the Classic with my mouth,” Tortorella said. “It was wrong with my sarcasm and frustration, and I apologize to everyone involved.” After the Rangers’ 3-2 victory over the Flyers at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Tortorella was asked about some questionable calls by referees Dennis Larue and Ian Walsh in the final minutes of regulation. “I’m not sure if NBC got together with the refs and wanted to turn this into an overtime game,” Tortorella said Monday. “For two good referees, I thought that game was reffed horribly.”
He also called the officiating “disgusting.”
Two days later, and with a possible fine by the NHL coming his way, the coach was contrite.
“They were sarcastic comments by me at the wrong time, and it was frustration on my part,” Tortorella said. “Not for a second — in no way, time, shape or form — did I think anything like that goes on with our league, or ever will. For me to question the integrity of the league, the integrity of NBC, the integrity of Denny and Ian, the Flyers, the Rangers, go right on through all the people here — there’s not a chance I am thinking that way.” New York Times