Cam Atkinson fires back at John Tortorella.
Atkinson has one issue with his former coach's comments.
Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella has a reputation for ruling his team's with an iron fist and although that has historically rubbed some players the wrong way, it has also earned him the respect of many players who enjoy playing in a system where every player is held accountable.
There's no question that one of the players who came away with a positive opinion of the head coach was former National Hockey League veteran Cam Atkinson, who played many seasons under Tortorella's leadership on multiple teams. Atkinson often speaks highly of his former head coach and it is clear that there is a strong level of mutual respect between the two men.
That's why my ears perked up this week when Tortorella payed one of his current players a big compliment when he drew a comparison between him at Atkinson. That player was Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny, a player that has unquestionably responded positively under Tortorella's system with 24 goals and 22 assists for 46 points over just 36 regular season games so far.
"I knew TK was a really good player. I've always likened him to a Cam [Atkinson], who I coached for six years," said a complimentary Tortorella of Konency.
Tortorella was of course paying Konency a compliment but there is a question to be asked about how Atkinson would feel about the comparison from his former head coach.
On Friday, Atkinson answered that question by revealing that he appreciates being compared to Konency, with one small exception. Atkinson made sure to point out that he had the edge over Konency in terms of looks, and seemingly wanted to make sure that Tortorella acknowledged that very important distinction as well.
"I'm better looking though!!!" wrote Atkinson via Twitter.
As for who really is the better looking between the two? I'll leave that up to you to decide.
- Chris Gosselin
Amount of money Johnny Gaudreau’s wife will receive from the NHL after his passing revealed
- NHL News
- 3 minutes read
- Chris Gosselin
New details confirm how Gaudreau brothers found themselves at the collision site
- NHL News
- 3 minutes read
- Trevor Connors
A sickening update on Johnny Gaudreau's alleged killer
- NHL News
- 1 minute read