Twitter erupts over Canucks-Flames brawl

The Canucks and Flames began the game with animosity, starting with a line brawl off the opening faceoff. The penalties totaled 142 minutes and left both teams with very short benches. During intermission, Canucks coach John Tortorella approached the Flames locker room, actions that will likely result in a fine and possible suspension.

On the opening puck drop between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks, a line brawl broke out. The bad blood ensued throughout the game, sparking reaction on Twitter:

Also, an altercation broke out near the Calgary Flames’ dressing room during the first intermission of their game against the Canucks in Vancouver.

CBC cameras captured Canucks head coach John Tortorella attempting to go into the Flames locker room at Rogers Arena, with Calgary enforcer Brian McGrattan pushing him away.

Flames goaltender coach Clint Malarchuk came out of the Flames dressing room after Tortorella and McGrattan were separated. Malarchuk followed Tortorella, but was restrained by several members of Calgary’s staff and McGrattan.

Much of the altercation appeared off camera, but another camera showed Chris Tanev pulling Alex Burrows back toward the Canucks dressing room.

CBC’s Scott Oake asked Calgary’s Lee Stempniak about the altercation during the second intermission, and the Flames forward said he was "a little surprised" to see Tortorella outside the visiting locker-room.

"I know he said something as it happened on the ice and I was one of the last guys off the ice," Stempniak said. "I came in and there was a big log-jam. I didn’t really know what happened. Still not quite sure what happened."

–With files from the Canadian Press

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