New York Rangers' John Tortorella and New Jersey Devils' Peter DeBoer scuffle in Game 4 -NHL Update
The only thing that was left in Game 4 of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Playoff Finals was New York Rangers’ head coach, John Tortorella and New Jersey Devils’ counterpart, Peter DeBoer, to exchange fists, which they nearly did.
Game 4 between Devils and Rangers Monday, May 21, 2012, was definitely one of the most intense matchups seen in the playoffs so far as even the goalies got a piece of physical action with the coaching staff verbally abusing each other.
When it comes to squabbling, John Tortorella is the leader as he had a go with Washington Capitals’ coach, Dale Hunter, during their semi-final series which saw both stand up on the sides and have a verbal matchup.
Tortorella is definitely the one to start, which could even get him fined in the upcoming day or so as the NHL reviews the incident.
It all started when Mike Rupp of New York let out his frustration by smashing a check on rookie defenseman, Peter Harrold, the former Devils’ player than hit veteran goalie, Martin Brodeur, in the chest. When New Jersey players saw that, it certainly was more than they could take and pounced on the Ranger.
"I was minding my own business for real," Brodeur said. "I never really yap at anybody, especially (Rupp); He's so big. He just kind of turned around, and I guess was a little pumped up and wanted to get somebody, and I was the target for him to hit me. That's part of the game, I guess.”
Luckily, Brodeur was not hurt in the incident but still wonders what forced Rupp to do something like that.
"It kind of stung me a little bit. I didn't know what to do really," Brodeur said. "It kind of stung my jaw. He hit me in the chest, and his fist went up to my mask, but it kind of surprised me more than anything but now I know I can take a punch."
The Eastern Conference Final series is now tied 2-2 and with Game 5 back at the Madison Square Garden in New York, it looks like both teams are just getting warmed up.
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