One day after refusing to leave the bench after receiving a game misconduct, the NHL lowered the boom on Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella.
The ex-New York Rangers coach, whose team fell behind the host Tampa Bay Lightning 4-0 about the midway point of the first period on Saturday, went on a tirade shortly after Braden Point’s power-play goal. He received a bench penalty fo unsportsmanlike conduct and, too boot, a game misconduct, which in essence meant he was ejected.
Upon hearing referee Wes McCauley’s call, Tortorella once again exploded. The long-time coach, who was on hand for a ceremony honoring Tampa’s 2004 Stanley Cup championship team (Tortorella was the head coach), could be seen mouthing “I’m not going,’’ amongst some other choice words for McCauley and fellow referee Brad Meier.
After nearly two minutes, Tortorella finally left the bench area and the game resumed. Tortorella’s former players with the Lightning could be seen watching the tirade and getting a kick out of their ex-coaches animated exchange with the officials.
However, Tortorella learned Sunday he’d been fined $50,000 and suspended for two games.
Tortorella didn’t speak after the game and has not responded to his ejection or the fact he’s being disciplined for his actions. Assistant coach Brad Shaw, who took over for Tortorella after his ejection, will likely be in charge during the fiery Tortorella’s suspension.
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