Golden Knights Clinch Playoff Spot, Eye Division Title Under New Coach

The team has gone 6-0-1 since John Tortorella took over as head coach, showing a renewed sense of belief.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Golden Knights hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of gold, black, and steel grey colors capturing the dynamic movement and energy of the sport.The Golden Knights' renewed energy and attacking flair under new coach John Tortorella have them poised for a deep playoff run.Las Vegas Today

The Vegas Golden Knights have clinched their playoff spot and need just one point to secure their fifth Pacific Division title since entering the NHL. Under new head coach John Tortorella, the team has shown a renewed sense of belief and better preparation, going 6-0-1 since he took over. Star player Jack Eichel has also regained his attacking form, tying a franchise record with his fourth four-point outing of the season.

Why it matters

The Golden Knights were struggling under former head coach Bruce Cassidy, losing what the team's general manager called their "spirit." Tortorella's arrival has reinvigorated the team, putting them in a strong position to make a deep playoff run and potentially win their first Stanley Cup.

The details

The Golden Knights have secured home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. A single point in their game against the Seattle Kraken would clinch the division title. As it stands, Vegas would face the Utah Mammoth, a team that recently relocated from Arizona, in the first round. Jack Eichel has been a key contributor, tying a franchise record with his fourth four-point outing of the season, including a behind-the-back pass that showcased his world-class talent.

  • The Golden Knights clinched their playoff spot over the weekend.
  • The team needs just one point to secure their fifth Pacific Division title since entering the NHL.
  • Jack Eichel recorded his fourth four-point outing of the season in a recent game against Winnipeg.

The players

John Tortorella

The new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, who has led the team to a 6-0-1 record since taking over.

Jack Eichel

A star player for the Vegas Golden Knights, who has tied a franchise record with his fourth four-point outing of the season.

Bruce Cassidy

The former head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, who the team's general manager said had lost the "spirit" of the team.

Kelly McCrimmon

The general manager of the Vegas Golden Knights, who said the team had lost their "spirit" under former head coach Bruce Cassidy.

Vince Sapienza

A FOX5 sports reporter who provided analysis on the Golden Knights' performance under Tortorella.

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What they’re saying

“It's sometimes just a simple reminder that this team is good enough.”

— John Tortorella, Head Coach

“There's only a handful of guys in the world that can make that play. We haven't seen something like that in a while.”

— Vince Sapienza, FOX5 Sports Reporter

“Somewhere along the way, whatever message Bruce was trying to capture or garner wasn't resonating with the team.”

— Vince Sapienza, FOX5 Sports Reporter

“This is a team that should be a Final Four team. They should be playing the Western Conference Final. They're that good.”

— Vince Sapienza, FOX5 Sports Reporter

What’s next

The Golden Knights need just one point in their game against the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title.

The takeaway

The Golden Knights' turnaround under new coach John Tortorella has put them in a strong position to make a deep playoff run and potentially win their first Stanley Cup. The team's renewed sense of belief and better preparation have been key factors in their success, and star player Jack Eichel's resurgence has also been a crucial part of their recent run.