Tortorella changes mindset with Golden Knights entering playoffs

Coach preaches 'we' mentality, has Vegas being more aggressive since being hired March 29

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:33pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the ice rink broken down into overlapping, angular shapes and planes in a range of blues, reds, and greens, conveying the intensity and strategic nature of the playoffs.Tortorella's tactical changes have the Golden Knights primed for a deep playoff run after a mid-season slump.Las Vegas Today

John Tortorella has taken over as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, replacing Bruce Cassidy, who won the Stanley Cup with many of the same players in 2023. Tortorella has begun using the word 'we' to describe the team, feeling more comfortable with the group after an initial period of adjustment. The Golden Knights were struggling before Tortorella's arrival, but have turned things around, finishing the regular season on a 7-0-1 run to win the Pacific Division.

Why it matters

Tortorella's change in mindset and approach has helped the Golden Knights regain their form and secure a playoff berth after a mid-season slump. His ability to quickly integrate himself with the team and get them playing a more aggressive style has been crucial in the team's turnaround.

The details

When Tortorella took over as head coach on March 29, the Golden Knights were 8-15-4 in their previous 27 games and in danger of missing the playoffs. However, the team has responded well to Tortorella's leadership, going 7-0-1 to finish the regular season and win the Pacific Division. Tortorella has emphasized a 'we' mentality, feeling more comfortable with the group after an initial period of adjustment.

  • Tortorella was hired as head coach of the Golden Knights on March 29, 2026.
  • The Golden Knights were 8-15-4 in their previous 27 games at the time of Tortorella's hiring.
  • The Golden Knights finished the regular season on a 7-0-1 run to win the Pacific Division.

The players

John Tortorella

The new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, hired on March 29, 2026.

Bruce Cassidy

The previous head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup with many of the same players in 2023.

Mitch Marner

A forward for the Vegas Golden Knights.

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What they’re saying

“We just knew that it was a bit of a wakeup call for everyone and knew that we needed to be better.”

— Mitch Marner, forward

“I still feel funny saying it. I've been here for eight games. I haven't gone through the grind, the ups and downs of the regular season with them.”

— John Tortorella, head coach

“But as I've had more meetings and run a few practices and found a way to win some games with them, sooner or later you've got to be with them, so I feel like I can say that now but in a very respectful way of the prior coach being here.”

— John Tortorella, head coach

“I think 'we' is very important at this time of year. I think the belief of 'we' is very important at this time of year, so I think I need to say it.”

— John Tortorella, head coach

What’s next

The Golden Knights will host the Utah Mammoth in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday (10 p.m. ET).

The takeaway

Tortorella's ability to quickly integrate himself with the Golden Knights and get the team playing a more aggressive, cohesive style has been crucial in their late-season turnaround. The 'we' mentality he has instilled has helped the players buy into his approach and regain their form in time for the playoffs.