Rangers lose to Penguins, 5-2
Pittsburgh Penguins' Jordan Staal works in the corner against Rangers' Dan Girardi in the second period. (April 5, 2012) Credit: AP
PITTSBURGH -- Rangers coach John Tortorella unloaded a blistering, X-rated diatribe at defenseman Brooks Orpik and the Penguins last night after the defenseman leveled Derek Stepan with a knee-to-knee hit with 4:39 left in the third period of the Rangers' 5-2 loss.
The team had no immediate report on the severity of the injury to Stepan, who was not available after the game. Orpik received a five-minute major for kneeing and a game misconduct after he stuck out his right knee as Stepan carried the puck across the blue line. It connected with Stepan's right knee, and the forward went flying and crumpled to the ice. He was helped up and skated to the bench.
"It's a cheap, dirty hit," said Tortorella, who screamed at the Penguins immediately after the incident. "I wonder what would happen if we did it to one of their two whining stars over there . . . I'm anxious to see what happens with the league. Just no respect amongst players. None. It's sickening.
"It's one of the most arrogant organizations in the league. They complain about this stuff all the time and look what happens. It's ridiculous. But they'll whine about something else over there, won't they, starting with their two ---- stars."
Penguins coach Dan Bylsma considered the hit a collision and offered no apologies. "I view the hit very similar to the [Eric] Nystrom hit on Letang where Kris tries to get out of the way," he said. "Brooks is on his track and looking to hit the guy on an angle and [Stepan] definitely trying to get out of the way creates that scenario."
On Feb. 29, the Dallas Stars' Nystrom charged behind the Penguins' net and made contact with Letang's head, knocking the Penguin out of the game with a concussion. The league did not suspend Nystrom, who received two minutes for roughing.
The controversy overshadowed a subpar performance by the Rangers, who are the No. 1 seed in the East and wrap up the regular season against the Capitals tomorrow. With the Sabres eliminated last night, the Capitals, Panthers and Senators remain possible first-round opponents for the Rangers.
The Penguins clinched the fourth seed and home ice in the first round against the Flyers.
With Henrik Lundqvist resting after injuring his right forearm Tuesday, Martin Biron made his 20th start and first since March 15, when the Penguins won, 5-2, in New York. He didn't fare much better last night, and his teammates were a step behind.
"I'm not an idiot. We didn't have the same drive as if we needed to win the game," Brad Richards said. "If we play them again, it will be a lot different."
Letang's wrister deflected off Chris Kunitz's right skate in front at 1:11 to open the scoring. Brandon Dubinsky answered at 4:23. Tyler Kennedy one-timed a rebound from a sharp angle at 8:27 for a 2-1 lead.
At 5:11 of the second period, Richard Park banked the puck off Biron and into the net. Evgeni Malkin made it 4-1 with his 49th in the third. Artem Anisimov scored his 16th with 2:14 to go on a power play.
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