The Tortorella Effect

Ever since John Tortorella was hired by the Vegas Golden Knights on March 29th, 2026, the Golden Knights have gone a perfect 3-0-0 during his head coaching tenure with Vegas. You could argue that beating the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames is not a big accomplishment, but Vegas beat the teams they were supposed to beat and that is all that matters. It does not really matter who you beat, especially when the Stanley Cup Playoffs are looming just a couple weeks away.

John Tortorella has talked a lot about pace. The Golden Knights have implemented that into their game ever since his hiring. The firing of Bruce Cassidy was unexpected, but it was bound to happen eventually. Cassidy is among the best coaches in the league, if not the best in the league, but it was time for a new voice in the Golden Knights locker room.

On Saturday, April 4th, the Golden Knights were set to face their arch nemesis, the Edmonton Oilers, on the road. This was by far the biggest game of the season for the Golden Knights, and they delivered. The Golden Knights never had a lead over the Oilers this season until Saturday night. That game was by far one of the most complete 60-minute efforts Vegas has had all season long. Jeremy Lauzon ended up scoring his first goal as a Golden Knight, and his first in two years. Vegas was super effective off the rush, which is something they have been lacking all season long, and it paid off all game.

Carter Hart, after missing nearly three months, was excellent against Edmonton. Hartbackstopped his team to a 5-1 win, making 31 saves in the process. Vegas will need Hart to be exceptional in the final stretch of games. With just five games left to go in the regular season, the Golden Knights winning the Pacific Division does not sound too crazy anymore as they currently sit one point behind the Ducks for first.