Torts: Lockout "No Excuse"

[Rhommy]

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/range...WXCjEffrFX6CGL

“The one thing we have to make sure of as a franchise is that we do not allow this interruption to hurt our momentum,” Tortorella said. “We cannot use this as an excuse.

“With all the potential distractions last year, including opening in Europe, the Winter Classic, HBO with “24/7,” we sent a letter to our players over the summer [2011] telling them there would be no excuses,” he said. “That’s going to be the same message from Day 1 this year.

“We will not use this as an excuse. We’re better than that. We are not going to allow this to stop us from getting to where we want to go.”

Good ol' Torts.

[Rome 2.0]

I'd expect nothing less than that from him. But I also don't think there's anyone left on this team who would or even might use it as an excuse to come into the season opener out of shape, disinterested, out of fuel, etc. etc. At this point I think we've honestly rid ourselves of whatever was left of that mentality the last few years over the course of re-shaping the roster each season.

Regardless, it's the right philosophy to have.

[NosLliWhsoj]

I could easily see guys not being ready for the season. This is a John MOFO Tortorella team and system. Just being in shape, is out of shape. These guys will need to be on their game from the first practice. If there is a season, they'll have 2 weeks or practice and pre-season, then a shortened season. If you send out a group of winded guys in the first 10 games and start .500, you're in some deep shit. The shortened season will not allow guys to "play into game shape" effectively.

[Rome 2.0]

I could easily see guys not being ready for the season. This is a John MOFO Tortorella team and system. Just being in shape, is out of shape. These guys will need to be on their game from the first practice. If there is a season, they'll have 2 weeks or practice and pre-season, then a shortened season. If you send out a group of winded guys in the first 10 games and start .500, you're in some deep shit. The shortened season will not allow guys to "play into game shape" effectively.

Especially the guys choosing not to play, and especially the veterans among them. My biggest concern would be for guys like Richards, Rupp, Halpern, etc.

[Bretzky]

Especially the guys choosing not to play, and especially the veterans among them. My biggest concern would be for guys like Richards, Rupp, Halpern, etc.

I was just going to say the same thing. It's a very valid concern, IMO.

Btw, I work as a valet at a country club in Woodbury some nights, and I happened to bring down a car for someone last night and as I get out of the car and hand him his keys, I realize it's Bob Nystrom! One of his arms was in a sling. I said, "I've gotta ask: do you think we're going to have a season?" and he said "oh my, I sure hope so. I think we will but the clock is ticking for a full 82 game schedule." He also mentioned that his son, Eric (who plays for the Dallas Stars) is in agony over not being able to play NHL hockey. Very amicable guy, and definitely looks like he could still play, sans the injured arm, hehe.

[H-Dreamer]

I really miss listening to Torts

[Respecttheblue]

Especially the guys choosing not to play, and especially the veterans among them. My biggest concern would be for guys like Richards, Rupp, Halpern, etc.

Ya mon. Just imagine if Gilroy ends up being in better shape than other 5/6 D-men pairings... then what? r u rdy 2 deal with that ? . [Shameless stirring ]

[Respecttheblue]

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/range...WXCjEffrFX6CGL

Good ol' Torts.

Gotta love it. Best hockey news yet sin e beginning of lockout.

[Rome 2.0]

Ya mon. Just imagine if Gilroy ends up being in better shape than other 5/6 D-men pairings... then what? r u rdy 2 deal with that ? . [Shameless stirring ]

Honestly, as much as I hated Girlroy, if (s)he's the most conditioned defenseman and actually makes the team, then so be it. I'm big on merit.

[Respecttheblue]

Honestly, as much as I hated Girlroy, if (s)he's the most conditioned defenseman and actually makes the team, then so be it. I'm big on merit.

Duly noted
I think I saw a pig fly, followed by a LIPA truck, followed by an Optimum truck!