GOTTA SEE IT: Trotz shuts down Pens reporter in testy postgame conference

It’s no unusual that a head coach finds himself having to defend his players and their on-ice actions. Having to do so with members of the media though…that’s a little unusual.

Immediately following the Washington Capitals overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins in game 3 of the team’s second round playoff series, head coach Barry Trotz found himself having to defend Alex Ovechkin’s from the criticism of Pittsburgh Tribune-Review columnist Rob Rossi.

The entire exchange is worth watching below, but for those who just want the juicy parts, we’ve transcribed them:

“Barry, is the play by Alex, that led to Sid sort of staggering into Niskanen where he appeared to get the stick up towards the face, is that a hockey play?” Rossi asked.

“Was there a penalty?” asked Trotz. “I don’t understand.”

“No, I’m not going to defend anything,” Trotz said. “Is Kunitz’s predatory hit on Oshie okay? Or the one on Backstrom, is that okay?” Trotz continued.

“I was just asking…,” Rossi said.

“I’m not going to debate on all that stuff,” Trotz said. “So that’s a terrible question.”

“So, no, Barry?” Rossi said.

“Next,” Trotz said with an attitude. “You got your answer.”

If you find yourself questioning whether or not Rossi was serious, just know that he penned a column whereby he suggests that the Capitals conspired pre-game to permanently injure Crosby in game 3. So yeah…we’d say he’s serious. Watch the entire exchange below: