NHL: Grumpy Tortorella doesn’t think Trevor Zegras amazing pass good for the game

Anaheim Ducks rookie Trevor Zegras has been the toast of the NHL since pulling off an amazing puck flip pass for a goal this week. The video of “the pass” has been viewed over 50 million times so far.

While even casual hockey fans are buzzing about it, ESPN’s John Tortorella is simply not a fan.

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Tortorella says Zegras pass not good for the game

Zegras was behind the net on Tuesday night when he lifted the puck with the blade of his stick and flipped it in front to Sonny Milano, who slapped the puck into the goal.

“I had some time, so (Milano) was calling for a Michigan,” Zegras recalled after the game. “So I picked it up and passed it to him. It was pretty funny how it all worked out.”

The highlight-reel goal gave the Ducks a 1-0 lead early in the second period. They held on for a 2-0 win but Torts just wasn’t having it.

“I’m not trying to be difficult about it. It’s fun to watch, it’s really cool but I just think our game has gone so far away from what the game should be. A hard game, an honest game. It’s almost gotten to showman,” the former head coach said. “I know you need to have it, you need to sell the game but I’m from the ilk that an honest hockey game needs to be played.”

The 63 year-old Torts, known for his public confrontation with players and press, noted that it really was a great pass. Despite the acknowledgement he simply doesn’t feel it’s the right way to play.

TORTORELLA ZEGRAS
John Tortorella GM? (NHLI/Getty Images)

“It’s tremendously skilled,” he said. “My position, is it good for the game? I’m not so sure. If you did that back in 2000, late ’90s you’d get your head taken off. It’s cool to watch and all that, but I’m not so sure it’s good for the game.”

These comments have received tremendous backlash with many labeling Torts a dinosaur. Yet, he wasn’t backing away from it and even doubled down by saying he’d probably give Zegras and Milano a stern talking to if he was the coach.

“I’d have a talk with [Zegras and Milano] after the game,” he admits.

Way to take the fun out of it coach.

This article was first published at The Daily Goal Horn

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Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL ... More about Anthony Scultore
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