LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Guys in Gold have a new head coach.
John Tortorella spoke to members of the Las Vegas media as the new head coach for the Vegas Golden Knights.
You can watch that full press conference here:
He takes the helm with only eight games left in the regular season and the postseason ahead.
This came after the announcement on Sunday that Butch Cassidy was out as head coach.
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon said, in part, "a change was necessary for us to return to the level of play that is expected for our club."
McCrimmon spoke to members of the media Monday morning to address the change:
The coaching change came after the Golden Knights lost to the Washington Capitals on Saturday.
It was the third straight loss for Vegas and ended up being the final game with the team for Bruce Cassidy.
He'd been with the Golden Knights since 2022 and led the team to the Stanley Cup Championship in 2023.
Now, another Stanley Cup winner is taking his place.
He last coached the Philadelphia Flyers but was let go a year ago in his third season with the team.
McCrimmons says Tortorella is one of the most respected coaches in the league and hopes his guidance will be a great asset, saying he expects Tortorella to give the team a spark.
McCrimmon also told the press that Tortorella would be with the Golden Knights through the end of this season and playoff run, and then they would re-evaluate where he stands going into next season.
Tortorella will soon have a chance to show his leadership style as the Golden Knights prepare to face the Vancouver Canucks at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
-
Golden Knights sticking with Hart as defensive issues loom in Game 6
Carter Hart has allowed 4 or more goals in all 5 games of the Stanley Cup Final, but coach John Tortorella is standing by his goaltender heading into Game 6.
Vegas Golden Knights must fix defensive struggles with Hart in net to force Game 7
Carter Hart has allowed 4 or more goals in all 5 games of the Stanley Cup Final, but coach John Tortorella is standing by his goaltender heading into Game 6.
Sean McDonough, voice of the Stanley Cup Final on ESPN/ABC
Alex Eschelman speaks with Sean McDonough, the voice of the Stanley Cup Final on ESPN/ABC.
Tortorella's confidence unshaken as Golden Knights face elimination game
The Golden Knights lost 4-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes in Thursday's Game 5, moving the Hurricanes within a victory of claiming the Stanley Cup.