This isn’t the first time a John Tortorella team or a player he coaches has been publicly criticized by the opposition. And it probably won’t be the last time.
On Sunday, Washington Capitals coach Barry Trotz strongly suggested Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno embellished on a play leading to a high-sticking penalty call on Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom.
The Blue Jackets scored on that ensuing power play, giving them a late winning goal.
A refresher on what Trotz had to say:
“If you look at it … he doesn’t really touch him. And then (Foligno’s head) pops up when (Backstrom’s) stick is already on the way down,” he said.
“That’s just a little bit disrespectful to the game. So, the league will look at that and we have fines for that. I’m sure that will be something they took advantage of. I wouldn’t be too happy if I was a referee.”
On Monday, Torts responded as only Torts could.
“I read it – quit whining,” said Tortorella, per the Columbus Dispatch. “Quit whining, that’s all I have to say.”
If you’ll recall, Torts once told Joe Thornton, through the media, to “just shut up” after the San Jose Sharks forward accused the New York Rangers -- Tortorella’s former team -- of being a soft team to play against.
Foligno also told the Dispatch that he didn’t expect to hear from the league on this matter.
“I think I was most offended by his remarks only because anyone who knows me and knows the way I play, that’s probably the furthest thing from my mind there,” added Foligno.