Tortorella suspended one game - 4-25-09

Rangers coach John Tortorella (above) has been suspended for Game 6 of his team's playoff series with the Capitals. Tortorella was supsended over an incident in Game 5 in which it was determined he squirted a Capitals fan with a water bottle at Verizon Center. He also hit another fan with a bottle.

Assistant coach Jim Schoenfeld will essentially serve as the team's head coach tomorrow.

The Rangers issued a very brief and direct statement concerning the discipline that said, "We disagree with the suspension and will have no further comment."

The incident in question:

EN Says: Kudos to the NHL in question. There isn't a sports league around that doesn't fool around when it comes to fans physically engaging players or coaches or officials. Why should it be any different for coaches or players? If Tortorella initiated the confrontation, he deserves to be punished.

How is this team in control of this series with all the drama surrounding Sean Avery and Tortorella is completely beyond us. Hockey is a sport where talent alone doesn't accomplish anything. The team has to have some sort of harmony. Things have to mesh well with the players and coaches in order to succeed. The Rangers have every reason to fall apart yet they're a win away form claiming this series. That said, after the thumping the Rangers took in Game 5, it's entirely possible for New York to collapse and lose this series.

(Photo: Associated Press)