John Tortorella tells the truth on Tony DeAngelo

By now, you've seen the footage of controversial Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Tony DeAngelo spearing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Corey Perry in the groin during the third period of last night's game at Amalie Arena. Just in case you've not, take a look below: 

DeAngelo was assessed a five minute major and a game misconduct, though he remained indignant afterward. 

"I was trying to give him a little shot, I wasn't looking for it to go there," DeAngelo said. "He tried to slash my stick out of my hands a second beforehand; he talks all game. I asked him to fight, he didn't want to. He'll tell you he's asked me to fight for years - I don't say no." 

When asked if there was a prior history between himself and Perry, DeAngelo had this to say: 

"There's no history because he doesn't want there to be a history," he said. "I'm ready to go whenever, it is what it is." 

And of course, fiery Flyers head coach John Tortorella was asked about the incident. While he partially defended DeAngelo, he also admitted the defenseman "crossed a line".

“I want him to have that personality, that competitiveness,” Tortorella said after the game. “A couple of guys I did sit, I wish a little of that would rub off on them.”

“That’s the line you walk as far as going over the edge,” Tortorella continued. “That’s a part of who Tony is, and I think he’s done a pretty good job this year in staying on that line (while) competing. Because he competes. Maybe he crossed it tonight. I’ve got to look at the tape.”

Right now, DeAngelo is awaiting his punishment from the NHL after it was announced that he would be having a phone hearing with the Department of Player Safety.