Elliotte Friedman's ability to read lips took a hit Thursday. The Sportsnet hockey reporter caused a stir when he posted a video in his column that showed a conversation between Washingtoncoach Barry Trotz and his Columbus counterpart, John Tortorella, in the moments after the Capitals had clinched their first-round series over the Blue Jackets. Adam Fox Jersey Friedman wrote that there are "questions" about Trotz's future in Washington, and he later explained on air that he thought the Capitals coach saidIm gone, Im gone, Im not coming back, Im gone, while shaking Tortorella's hand. Given that neither coach could be heard in the clip, Friedman had to rely on his lip-reading skills to interpret Trotz's words. Elliotte Friedman thinks Barry Trotz told John Tortorella: Im gone, Im gone, Im not coming back, Im gone at the end of the / series. NHL Prospects Watcher (@Prospects_Watch) With Trotz in the final year of his contract with the Capitals, speculation about his situation has grown. But despite Friedman's interpretation, Trotz denied speaking to Tortorella about his future. MORE:Ovechkin records 100th career playoff point Following Washington's 3-2 lo s to the Penguins Thursday, Trotz at the postgame pre s conferencewhether Friedman's report was accurate. The 55-year-old said his contract situation was not the topic of discu sion. "We were talking," Trotz said. We werent talking about that. head coach Barry Trotz talks to the media after a 3-2 lo s in Game 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Washington Capitals (@Capitals) Adam Edstrom Jersey