NY Rangers Fight NHL Over Tortorella's Suspension for "Watergate" in Washington

The New York Rangers issued a statement saying they disagree with the NHL for suspending coach John Tortorella. The NHL disciplined Tortorella for angry interactions with fans in Washington during the Rangers game against the Capitals.

Because Tortorella squirted water at a fan in Washington, the incident has been dubbed "Watergate"

Ironically, Tortorella's suspension comes on day after he suspended Sean Avery to teach him something about discipline.

The NHL surprised the hockey world by suspending a coach during the Stanley Cup Playoffs for squirting a water bottle, throwing a water bottle, and shaking a hockey stick at a fan during a game.

The NHL then suspended Tortorella for the same reason he suspended Avery.
Sources close to Tortorella say he is both crushed and incensed by his one-game suspension, according to TSN.

Apparently the Rangers repeatedly requested additional security behind the players bench at the Verizon arena in Washington. They didn't get it.

Rangers assistant coach Jim Schoenfeld will coach Game 6 for the New York team as they try again to eliminate the Washington Capitals with a fourth win in the best-of-seven playoff sereis.

Hartford Wolf Pack coach Ken Gernander and his assistant, J.J. Daigneault, will help Schoenfeld.

A fan poured beer on Tortorella during the game. Video replays showed Tortorella using a towel to wipe off his suit. The NHL claims Tortorella was doused with a beverage only after he sprayed water

The incident occurred in the third period of Friday's game and is now on YouTube.
The Rangers issued a press release that said: "We disagree with the suspension and will have no further comment."

Tortorella will miss Sunday's Game 6 at Madison Square Garden.

During that game at the Verizon Center in Washington, Tortorella became involved with fans behind the New York bench, squirting one with water before reaching over the protective glass to hurl a water-bottle at another spectator and then grabbing a hockey stick to wave at the crowd.