Controversy in Las Vegas: Tortorella Skips Handshake Line After Game 6
In an unusual and highly scrutinized postgame scene, Vegas Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella bypassed the traditional handshake line and skipped his scheduled media availability after his team eliminated the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 on Thursday night.
"I think it was a bit of a temper tantrum. They were mad about the McNabb suspension."
— Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
Tortorella did shake hands with Anaheim's coaching staff at the bench, but then immediately departed for the team bus. The Golden Knights also kept their dressing room closed to the media, with only three players—Brett Howden, Mitch Marner (at the podium), and an unnamed player (in a side room)—speaking publicly. The organization has not provided an official reason for the behavior.
The Root of the Frustration
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the postgame actions were likely a direct protest against the suspension of defenseman Brayden McNabb.
McNabb was suspended for Game 6 due to a hit on Anaheim's Ryan Poehling in Game 5. The play resulted in a five-minute major penalty for interference and an ejection for McNabb, while Poehling sustained an upper-body injury and did not return to the game.
Friedman noted that the severity of the injury was a key factor in the league's suspension decision, a ruling the Golden Knights clearly disputed.
Looking Ahead: The Western Conference Finals
Despite the controversy, the Golden Knights are moving on. They are set to face the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Finals, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday, May 20.