In the National Hockey League (NHL), the practice of body checking is reportedly declining, leading to a debate on whether it's a 'lost art.' John Tortorella's viral comments on the issue, expressing visible frustration during a game, have sparked reactions from various stakeholders, including coaches, players, ESPN's hockey referee analyst, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Tortorella's dissatisfaction was evident when he stared down player Scott Laughton after a penalty. The league's evolving rulebook and new priorities have made big hits less prevalent, raising questions about the game's direction.
There are several ways NHL teams can be physical. One of them is throwing devastating body checks. But an evolving rulebook and new priorities have made big hits less prevalent in the league. Has the game changed for the worse? Better? ✍️ @KKurzNHL ⤵️ https://t.co/P3nHMvdlX4
“We’ve kind of tried to turn this league into a No Hit League. Now people aren’t ready to be hit. I think it’s a lost art in how you take hits." Reaction to John Tortorella's viral comments from coaches, players, @ESPNRefNHL, commissioner Gary Bettman: https://t.co/er3TDAjEf7
No Hit League? The ‘lost art’ of body checking in the NHL ⤵️ https://t.co/G2h0z7Yfwt
No Hit League? The ‘lost art’ of body checking in the NHL https://t.co/jolKukn2IU
John Tortorella stares down Scott Laughton for that penalty. Inside Torts was pissed