NEW YORK -- The NHL has fined New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella US$20,000 for his comments following Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Tortorella was furious after the game, which included a knee-on-knee hit by Pens defenceman Brooks Orpik on New York forward Derek Stepan.
"It's a cheap, dirty hit," Tortorella said. "I wonder what would happen if we did it to their two whining stars over there. I wonder what would happen. So I'm anxious to see what happens with the league with this. Just not respect amongst players. None. It's sickening."
Orpik, who was assessed five-minute major penalty on the play, was not disciplined by the league.
"(The Penguins) whine about this stuff all of the time, and look what happens?" Tortorella said. "It's ridiculous. But they'll whine about something else over there, won't they?"
Tortorella also attacked Penguins' management, calling them "one of the most arrogant organizations in the league."
The fine money goes to the NHL Foundation.
