from Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province,
Tortorella is in the crosshairs because of a 2-11-1 slide, his tunnel tirade to get to Bob Hartley that didn’t help morale and a preoccupation with push and pace. It has led to a rash of injuries and indifferent play and the inability to maintain consistency or have anything left in the tank.
Ryan Kesler, Daniel and Henrik Sedin rank first, seventh and ninth respectively in average ice time among all NHL forwards. Henrik is playing through bruised ribs, Daniel has a season-threatening hamstring ailment, and Kesler’s commando style invites injury. On top of that, the Canucks are 3-20-1 when trailing after two periods, have the 25th-ranked power play and 28th-ranked offence.
Those are fireable offences.
It’s probably why Tortorella held a heartfelt and lengthy post-practice talk with his players in the far corner of Rogers Arena. No yelling and screaming in trying to save the season — and his job.
“It’s about not giving in and the responsibility of being a professional,” Tortorella said of the exchange.
added 10:57am, from Cam Cole of the Vancouver Sun,
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