Tortorella calls today's NHL 'young', 'dumb', and 'sensitive'

Anyone who been watching hockey for more than a couple weeks is likely already aware of Jon Tortorella and his huge personality. Tortorella rarely holds back, speaking exactly what's on his mind, and often getting critical in the process. Torts was at it again Friday night while appearing on the NHL on TNT's pre-game show. He was asked about mistakes, and whether he has to give younger players longer leashes in order to truly evaluate their abilities. Tortorella gave one of his classic responses.

"I think it depends on some of the individuals," said Tortorella. "It's such a, it's so sensitive nowadays as far as how you can lean on a player and what the expectations are."

"I just think our job as coaches is to push athletes to areas they're not comfortable in to make them better players," Torts added. "So we continue to go about our business that way. You might have hurt feelings, you may make some mistakes along the way, which we do. But I just believe that's our job."

Tortorella was then asked if he's had to change his coaching style over the years to adjust to the difference in players. Torts agreed that he has.

"It's a young, dumb league," said Tortorella. "There are so many more mistakes made now in our game then back in the day. As coaches, we've evolved. I think you have to...because I used to be that 'dot the i, cross the t' and forecast what the game was going to be before it's played. Now I think you need to allow them to live through some of those mistakes for them to mature."

"Give them some rope, but also let them know, at certain times, that this is the way it's going to be done because it's the best way for our hockey club."

Despite still being more than willing to speak his mind in interviews, it does seem like Tortorella's style with players has softened some, although it certainly hasn't lost all of its edge.

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