One of the interesting things about playing without fans is that we’ve been privy to some of the sideline and on-field banter that might otherwise get buried in the white noise of supporters. Some broadcasters are now using fake crowd noise or riding the faders to mute vulgar sounds.

Hockey returns soon, and today Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella was asked about that topic:

“I really don’t give a shit, quite honestly, so..”

Classic Torts.

Not sure why, but that nine-second video clip gets me irrationally excited for hockey. I want to hear Torts yelling obscenities at the refs. I want to hear Travis Konecny calling Evgeni Malkin a “fucking nerd.” I want Derek Grant and Nate Thompson to hip check Brad Marchand into the first row, right where the microphones are positioned.

Let’s go.