An analysis of the video of the knee-on-knee hit by Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik on Derek Stepan late in the third period proves Orpik intended to injure Stepan.
Tort's comments were spot on.
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Let's go to a link here below for a detailed review of the hit:
Click on image for hit replay
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Two things are very clear from the tape. One: Orpik throws his knee out. Two: Orpik turns his skate toward Stepan's knee.-----
Orpik received a five-minute penalty for kneeing, plus a game misconduct. The game misconduct will result in an automatic review by the league. If you believe Shanahan's public statements about his close analysis of tapes and skate position as a sign of intent, then that review will result in a four game suspension.
If the league does not suspend Orpik, then it's time for a little old time hockey. Regulation by the league has gotten out of hand. If the league will not protect the players, then it's time for the players to protect themselves.
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When the Stanley Cup playoffs begin, in the first round I will be rooting for the Flyers for the very first time.
While I agree in principle with Tortorella's statement, I think he is exploiting the situation too.
I agree 100% with Scotty Hockey's assessment, "It's All About The Torts."
"Those who hold the coach in higher regard than I may see it as a masterstroke - Torts made himself the story, deflecting media focus from the embarrassing loss itself, the sieve of a goaltender he started, the unacceptable performance of many of his players ... but my opinion was that the hit just gave Torts the opportunity to grandstand yet again and he took it.
Did Torts say anything that us fans haven't been claiming about the Pens for years? No. But all of Torts' sound and fury signifies nothing when the coach doesn't back it up. If he was so upset why didn't he send out someone to exact revenge?"
It does all go back to Tortorella's Megalomanian. He is getting in playoff form for his big self destruct.