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Tortorella says he loves Brad Richards; those who deny that can ‘kiss his [bleep]’

John Tortorella

New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella speaks to reporters during a news conference, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009 at Madison Square Garden training facility in Tarrytown, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Mary Altaffer

New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella made big-money forward Brad Richards a healthy scratch in an eventual Game 4 win, but he insists that the two remain tight.

Naturally, he insisted in a boisterous and profane way, as CSNNE.com’s Joe Haggerty reports.

“I love that guy,” Tortorella said. “I’ve grown up with that guy. Kiss my [expletive deleted] if you’ve written anything differently.”

It’s not the first time Torts’ comments have needed a parental advisory, and with the second-round series extended for at least one more contest, it might not be the last.

Of course, the bigger question is: will his buddy appear in Game 5? Tortorella didn’t provide an answer on Thursday.

He’s willing to admit that he is relieved that the Rangers avoided elimination, however.

“I’m happy for them,” Tortorella said. “They’re still breathing.”

Also still alive: the “what will Tortorella say next?” game.