John Tortorella takes issue with viral Trevor Zegras-Sonny Milano goal

Tortorella acknowledged the play was “cool” and required high levels of skill. But he is worried that the goal gives off the wrong impression that hockey is easier than it is.

He also asked whether the goal was good for the game. He noted how he’s heard about kids wanting to practice it, maybe instead of working on fundamentals.

Tortorella even said the game may have turned too showy.

“I think our game has gone so far away from what our game should be. A hard game, an honest game. It’s almost gotten too showman. I know you need to have it — you need to sell the game, but I’m from the ilk — it’s still a hard game, and a good, honest hockey game needs to be played. I think with some of this stuff, we get carried away.”

Tortorella was hit with a lot of “grumpy old man” type comments in response to his criticism. There are a lot of parallels between Tortorella’s comments and something Tony La Russa did last season.