The game of hockey has changed and grown throughout its history, as we continue to progress into a more skill based and faster league.
Days where teams and superstars had their enforcers (bodyguards) on the ice are no longer, as teams are opting to run four talented lines, as opposed to one certain line that would police the animosity on the ice.
If you were to lay a huge hit on an opposing superstar, chances were you’d have a date with their enforcer and you’d have to answer the call.
Hockey has certainly advanced, but not everyone involved in the game supports how the game has changed.
John Tortorella is one of the most vocal coaches in the game today and is certainly not afraid to speak his mind.
When asked about how the game is played today, Tortorella didn’t hold any punches, mentioning how the NHL has become a ‘hug fest.’ He also mentioned that the league is lacking hatred among clubs, and conversations on the ice between opposing players frustrate him.
Tortorella brings up a good point. The opposition should be your enemy when the puck drops and your one goal should be to outscore your opponent.
Tortorella speaks from experience of hatred towards a club. There hasn’t be an instance quite like the brawl between Vancouver and Calgary from 2014, where they kicked off the game with a full line brawl.
https://youtu.be/vIcdbxzrtbI
Fights continue to go down from year to year as the gloves are staying on hands rather than being dropped to the ice. But there is still a rare breed to NHLers who dedicate their time to being the teams’ tough guy.
Some reactions:
https://twitter.com/jbenigni/status/1055786318519775232
Raise your hand if you roll your eyes whenever John Tortorella speaks. ??♂️ #TSNHockey #NHL
— Cris Jenkins (@blackrumjenkins) October 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/stovernut83/status/1055694135703683075
Is John Tortorella really that upset about players talking to each other at the faceoff circle??
Really?
Seriously?
THAT'S his beef with the league right now??
?♂️Who freakin' cares???
— Corey Kendall ?? #SlavaUkraini (@ckendall77) October 26, 2018
