Saturday nights match-up between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks seemed to be an ordinary NHL game. The Canucks were trying to get back on track and continue their work to solidify a playoff spot. The Flames were looking to continue improvement, and work though this difficult rebuilding process. It seemed ordinary, actually very ordinary. Then it all changed!
Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley submitted his lineup card. It looked odd. The fourth line. Blair Jones, Kevin Westgarth, Brian McGrattan, Chris Butler, and Ladislav Smid. Interesting, What was Bob Hartley doing?
The visiting team must first submit their lineup card, then it is the home teams choice on who they will be starting. It was now Vancouver coach John Tortorella’s turn to counter. Would he counter with the Sedin line, or would he counter with his tough guys? The decision was made by Tortorella to counter with his tough guys. Tortorella put out Kellan Lain, Dale Weise (his first NHL game), Tom Sestito, Kevin Bieksa, and Jason Garrison. This means brawl! Tortorella claimed he refused to put out the Sedin line out because he was worried about the situation, and their safety. He also commented after the game that he was proud of his guys, and would put the same guys out if he had to do it again. Well it happened. LINE BRAWL!!!
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After the completion of the fight eight players were ejected and tempers were at a very high level. Vancouver coach John Tortorella was infuriated. During the fight he was at the edge of the bench yelling at Calgary coach Bob Hartley. Hartley seemed to ignore him the entire time. Upon completion of the first period things escalated even more. Tortorella went down the Calgary dressing room hallway to confront Calgary coach Bob Hartley. A pushing match in the hallway ensued between Tortorella and Calgary players and staff. It was a bad situation.
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This entire situation was another black eye for the league, and of course made front page news in the sports world Sunday morning. The truth of the matter is, that it was exciting. The fans were going wild. Social media was going wild, and everyone was talking about hockey. I don’t like staged fighting, but fighting does entice fans. It was a great game that started with a bang. An old time classic Canadian battle. It was one that will not be forgotten quickly.
A suspension for Calgary coach Hartley is probably needed for his line selection to start the game, and a suspension for Tortorella is almost a guarantee for his antics in the Calgary dressing room hallway.
Both coaches were very candid in their description of how this situation transpired.
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Now I think the entire hockey world is looking forward to the rematch on March 8th in Vancouver. It should be interesting.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.