New York Rangers' head coach John Tortorella talks to his team during a timeout in the third period of NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets in Winnipeg on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.JOHN WOODS/The Canadian Press
For a guy who used to yak on television for a living, New York Rangers coach John Tortorella sure doesn't seem to have much time for his former media colleagues.
Granted, it's the playoffs and no one wants to provide bulletin board material to the opposition, but Tortorella's availability ahead of game three of the first round series between the Senators and Rangers lasted just a shade under 54 seconds.
In his New York minute on Monday, Tortorella uttered 73 words (in fairness, this is a large increase over his post-game comments from Saturday).
He answered four questions - one of them with a one-word answer - and walked away from a fifth.
The man known as Torts is legendarily surly, and this day was no exception - not for him the old coaching tactic of trying to deflect pressure from his team by standing in front of the cameras and submitting to the spotlight.
But the man has won the Stanley Cup, so he can rightly point out his methods work.
And who are we to argue?
Here is a transcript of today's session, in case anyone cares:
Reporter: Have you made any decision on who will replace (suspended forward Carl) Hagelin?
Tortorella: "No."
Reporter: We've talked a lot lately about Hagelin's contributions, what sort of impact will that have for you guys to lose him for three games?
Tortorella: "Well he's been a real good player for us, he brings us speed, he chases down pucks, he's been real good since we brought him up."
Reporter: If (injured Ottawa captain Daniel) Alfredsson plays, would guys feel a little bit jobbed?
Tortorella: "I'm not going to answer questions about the other team."
Team official: "Ok?"
Reporter: John, is it easier for you guys to play your game when you're on the road and maybe, you know, the tendency to try and impress home fans is gone and just to play it simpler?
Tortorella: "No, I don't think our players look at it that way, we try to play our game the way we play our game no matter if we're at home or away."
Team official: "Ok?"
Reporter: Any thoughts John, on how....
Tortorella, walking away from the lectern: "You missed man, you missed."