Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella has been fined $20,000 for comments he made after his team’s 3-2 shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Additionally, Tortorella has been assessed a conditional fine of $25,000 “which will be collected in the event of similar inappropriate behaviour through Dec. 29, 2020,” according to a statement from the NHL.
Tortorella’s comments came after he believed the referees made a mistake in adjusting the clock after a too-many-men penalty was called during overtime. The Blue Jackets would later miss a chance to win after the clock expired on overtime before a shot from Zach Werenski found the back of the net, then see all-star goalie Joonas Korpisalo suffer a serious knee injury in the shootout.
“All this (expletive) technology right? The technology and getting things right. The stubbornness tonight by the officials and by the league and Toronto, however it’s supposed to (expletive) work, (it) screws us. It’s ridiculous,” Tortorella said before slapping the podium in front of him and walking out of the room without taking any questions.
On Monday, Tortorella said he regrets how he handled the situation.
The money from the fine will go to the NHL Foundation.
