Torts on Scratching Brad Richards

[A.E]

“By no means is this a situation when I take him out that I’m blaming him,” Tortorella told the NHL.com. “I’m playing Brad on the fourth line, he’s playing seven or eight minutes, it’s not good for him. It doesn’t work playing Brad Richards that way, but I also feel some other guys have played better so that’s where he is right now in our lineup.”
 
Tortorella determined that he didn’t have a spot on either of the Rangers’ top two lines for Richards, but he also needed to give the fourth line “some sort of identity,” so Richards had to come out.
 
The obvious question now is what’s next for the 33-year-old forward. If the Rangers can’t find a use for him in the playoffs, they might buy out his massive contract. Perhaps that will happen, but Tortorella is still in his corner even if he isn’t using him.
 
“I’m sure people will pick it apart, but I want to make sure you know Brad Richards is a hell of a hockey player,” Tortorella said. “He has had struggles. He’s had struggles here. It continues. Me putting him in that role does not help him. So I’d rather have him out and identify how we’re going to run our fourth line.”
 
We’ll see if Richards is given a chance to bounce back in Game 5.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/24/tortorella-explains-decision-to-scratch-richards/
 
Dude went a little nutty at the media after last night's game but what else is new?
 

 

[Fuhgeddaboudit]

Wouldn't be surprised if Brad Richards gets bought out or whatever. 
 
It's scary how many players come to New York and just stink it up. Lots of players aren't made for the area??
 
Well, if it was Torts or Brad getting the boot, I would definitely go with Brad. As much as I'd be okay with Torts going, I can't see who would be a viable replacement.
 
This of course isn't going to happen, where one or the other goes... but just saying hypothetically if it had to happen.. I know I would choose Torts over Richards on staying in New York.
 
Richards just has looked piss-poor. He was also signed here to help with the powerplay, and that's still shitty too. 

 

[A.E]

I'll give Torts a lot of credit for one, having the fortitude to sit Richards and two, having even bigger balls to address it with the media after the game.  I think about 95% of coaches would've avoided the topic but he has no problem getting confrontational.  
 
And Torts is right, Richards is a player on a certain echelon.  If he can't get top six minutes then there's no point to keeping him in uniform.  This is exactly why Richards will be bought out this Summer.  Stepan and Brassard is this team's pair of top six centreman and they both need new deals.  
 
But is it any wonder the Rangers are always a better team when they roll with a roster full of young guys, underpaid guys, and role-players?  They didn't do shit with Gaborik, Richards has sucked, and Rick Nash has one goal this postseason.  As crazy as the NHL player contracts have been in recent years, I have this feeling we're about to hit a long period where high profile FA's aren't going to be given the insane deals anymore.  They'll get paid handsomely but these 10-year, gazillion dollar types are going obsolete.  

 

[Fuhgeddaboudit]

Lol Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, DiPietro

 

[Phil The Thrill]

The list goes on for Rangers free agent busts.... Redden, Drury, Gomez
 
Stepan is in for a raise this offseason so it only makes sense to buyout Richards especially with the cap coming down

 

[Fuhgeddaboudit]

Please don't remind me lol

 

[A.E]

...and Brad Richards will be a healthy scratch for a 2nd straight game. 
 

Richards skated with the other Game 4 scratches this morning before regular practice.
 
It’s no surprise head coach John Tortorella is expected to keep the same lineup for Saturday’s game, given the one he used Thursday is the only one that’s resulted in a Rangers victory this series.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/24/richards-headed-for-second-straight-healthy-scratch/