Capitals head coach Barry Trotz clearly had a plan for his postgame press conference: Defend Matt Niskanen so that his star defenseman could escape a suspension from the Department of Player Safety.

Instead, the most noteworthy part of Trotz’s meeting with reporters was his fiery exchange with Pittsburgh reporter Rob Rossi.

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#Caps head coach Barry Trotz talks to the media after a 3-2 OT/win in Game 3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. #CapsPens #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/VtJWv0Ttoi — Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 2, 2017

After Trotz gave his thoughts on Niskanen’s headshot on Sidney Crosby, the Caps head coach was asked by Rossi about Alex Ovechkin’s role in the play. Ovechkin slashed Crosby in the right shoulder, but afterwards his stick inadvertently struck Crosby in the back of the head.

“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?” Trotz said confused. “I don’t understand.”

“Does it have to be a penalty to be a hockey play? Is it a hockey play also?” Rossi said.

“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 sass. “You got your answer.”

After the game, Rossi published an unreadable, hate-filled column entitled the NHL should stick it to Alex Ovechkin.

Here’s a sampling.

Alas, the NHL being the NHL, credulity’s peak is limitless. Which is exactly why the NHL could — and should — throw the book at Ovechkin, who skated freely despite playing a big role in Crosby’s injury. Ovechkin was the reason Crosby only lasted three shifts in Game 3. He was the Capital most responsible for Crosby’s injury. He carelessly lifted his stick into Crosby’s head, forcing the NHL’s sturdiest skater to stagger into Niskanen. If Ovechkin hadn’t gone that route, Crosby wouldn’t have gone headfirst into a check. Ovechkin, who never met a leap he wouldn’t take, who holds high the stick he often swings at opponents, was the dirty-deed doer at PPG Paints Arena in Game 3. Ovechkin, who can’t beat Crosby on the ice, decided to remove him from it.

Rossi also suggested that the purpose of the Capitals closed-door, players-only meeting after Game Two was to devise a plan to injure Crosby.

He then cut a promo on Barry Trotz afterwards and posted it on Twitter.

Hey @Real_RobRossi how do you feel about Barry Trotz? pic.twitter.com/ZSDY8Fwb2a — upgrūv (@upgruv) May 2, 2017

I don’t understand why this man is credentialed and I really don’t understand why he thinks ad hominem attacks on players qualifies as journalism. But to each his own.

Full Coverage of Game Three