Had the New York Rangers’ offense put up nearly as much of a fight against Washington last night as head coach John Tortorella managed against the New York Post’s Larry Brooks yesterday afternoon, we’d be looking at a 1-1 Eastern Conference quarterfinal. Transcript of Friday’s pissing match, courtesy TSN.
The New York Rangers’ head coach and New York Post hockey columnist went back and forth in a game day scrum on Friday after Brooks asked Tortorella whether he thought the Rangers’ backs were against the wall going into Game 2 of their first-round series with the Washington Capitals.
“Do I think our backs are against the wall? This is a series,” responded Tortorella.
“That’s what I’m asking,” said Brooks. “Are your backs against the wall right now?”
“I never think our backs are against the walls. I think in a series…”
“In a series or anytime?” Brooks interjected.
“Anytime.”
“So you didn’t think your backs were against the wall Saturday?”
“Saturday?” Tortorella asked.
“Against New Jersey?”
“You mean in the regular season?”
“That’s what I’m asking,” said Brooks. “You said you never think your backs are against the wall. Are you just talking about playoffs or anytime?”
“Well we’re in playoffs right now,” said Tortorella. “You’re asking me questions to try and box me in to language.”
“No I’m not.”
“Yes you do.”
“No I’m not,” explained Brooks. “I’m asking you do you think your backs are against the wall, you said ‘I never think backs are against the wall.’ I said ‘in regular season or playoffs.’ So you’re only talking about playoffs.”
“I’m talking about a series of playoffs,” countered Tortorella. “Why are we even going back to regular season? “Cause it’s logistics with you. You try to use my words Brooksie…”
“No, you talked about the regular season just now,” said Brooks, cutting him off.
“No, you try to use my words and box me in to a corner all the time,” said Tortorella. “Can I get another question? I went in here in a pretty good mood today, too.”
“So did I,” said Brooks.
“Well you obviously —— that up, didn’t you?”