Golden Knights' Tortorella gamble paying off so far

GM McCrimmon pleased with team's performance under new head coach

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:26pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and ice reduced to angular, overlapping shapes in shades of blue, green, and gray, conveying the intensity and energy of the sport.The Golden Knights' new coach John Tortorella has brought a bold, demanding style that has energized the team so far this season.Las Vegas Today

The Vegas Golden Knights' decision to hire John Tortorella as their new head coach has paid dividends so far, as the team has performed well under his leadership. General manager Kelly McCrimmon is pleased with the team's progress, though he cautions that it's still early in the season.

Why it matters

The Golden Knights have struggled in recent seasons, failing to make the playoffs. Hiring the experienced and demanding Tortorella was a bold move, and his success so far has raised hopes that the team can return to the postseason.

The details

After missing the playoffs last season, the Golden Knights made the surprising move of hiring John Tortorella as their new head coach. Tortorella is known for his intense coaching style and high expectations, and the team has responded well so far, picking up several key wins early in the season.

  • The Golden Knights hired Tortorella as their new head coach prior to the 2026-27 NHL season.
  • The team defeated the Winnipeg Jets on Monday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Kelly McCrimmon

The general manager of the Vegas Golden Knights.

John Tortorella

The new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, known for his demanding coaching style.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes you need a reminder,”

— Kelly McCrimmon, General Manager

What’s next

The Golden Knights will look to continue their strong start to the season and secure a playoff berth, which would be a significant turnaround from their recent struggles.

The takeaway

The Golden Knights' decision to hire the experienced and demanding John Tortorella as their new head coach has paid off so far, as the team has responded well to his coaching style and is performing better than in recent seasons. However, it's still early, and the team will need to maintain this level of play to secure a playoff spot.