Robert Bortuzzo committed a cardinal sin Tuesday night when he hit – nay, levelled – future Hall of Famer and 42-year-old Jaromir Jagr.
The play, which will be reviewed by the NHL, appeared to be a high hit from Bortuzzo that caught Jagr in the head. No. 68 stayed on the ice for a short period before leaving under his own power. However, Jagr did not return to the game.
After the Penguins’ 1-0 win, Devils coach Peter DeBoer spoke about the hit, saying that if his team hit Sidney Crosby the same way, “it would be World War Four.”
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DeBoer continued, saying the referees told him they missed the play. Bortuzzo was not penalized for the hit.
“It was a headshot. Doesn’t matter whether it’s a shoulder or an elbow. It’s a shot to the head,” DeBoer said.
And Devils forward Jordin Tootoo went a step further, suggesting him and the Devils would get their payback at a later date.
“I’m not going to forget what number he is. It’s a long season,” Tootoo said. “I wish I would have been there at that moment because there would have been gloves flying”
