NEW YORK (AP) – Rangers coach John Tortorella has been suspended by the NHL for one game because he squirted a fan with water and threw a water bottle into the stands, striking a spectator in Washington.
Tortorella, who replaced the fired Tom Renney in February, will Game 6 on Sunday when New York hosts the Capitals with a chance to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
The NHL ruled Saturday night that Tortorella’s actions Friday night during the third period of the Rangers’ 4-0 loss that cut their series lead to 3-2 warranted a serious punishment.
“While it is a difficult decision to suspend a coach at this point in a playoff series, it has been made clear to all of our players, coaches and other bench personnel that the National Hockey League cannot – and will not – tolerate any physical contact with fans,” league disciplinarian Colin Campbell said in a statement.
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