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John Tortorella: Labor’s voice of reason

New York Rangers v New Jersey Devils - Game Three

NEWARK, NJ - MAY 19: Head coach John Tortorella of the New York Rangers speaks to the media after they defeated the New Jersey Devils 3 to 0 in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on May 19, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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We’ve read plenty of angry words from writers and some disappointing words from those involved in labor talks, so of course the guy providing a healthy dose of common sense is... John Tortorella?

ESPN-New York’s Katie Strang heard from the Rangers coach during his charity dog walking event today, and he had all the right insight for both the NHL and NHLPA when it comes to figuring out their dispute.

“I just hope we keep on learning that this needs to be a partnership for this league to continue to flourish and grow as it has.”

From how Tortorella carries himself during and after games, you’d never think he’d be the guy with the cool head through all this, but here we are.

What’s lost in these labor talks is that it is a partnership between the players and owners, but negotiations have been made to look blurry with the owners’ steep demands on the players.