NEW YORK (AP) — Rangers coach John Tortorella was hit with a large fine by the NHL for critical comments of the league and the officials in New York’s Winter Classic victory over Philadelphia.
Just hours after Tortorella publicly apologized for his remarks, the NHL came down hard on the combustible coach Wednesday night.
ESPNNewYork.com and the NBC Sports Network reported that the fine was $30,000.
Tortorella questioned several calls that were made and not made by referees Ian Walsh and Dennis LaRue late in the 3-2 victory Monday, including a penalty shot that was awarded to Philadelphia with 19.6 seconds left in regulation. Henrik Lundqvist stopped Danny Briere on the attempt.
Tortorella suggested that NBC, which televised the game, and the NHL might have been in collusion to get the game tied.
