WATCH: GM Kelly McCrimmon speaks on Vegas Golden Knights coaching shakeup

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A big shakeup with the Vegas Golden Knights over the weekend has left many across the valley and the NHL stunned.

Head Coach Bruce Cassidy is out after the team announced it was parting ways with him on Sunday.

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:

McCrimmon spoke on how the team went from 1st place in the Pacific Division ahead of the Olympic break to now fighting for a playoff spot.

"Just the energy level, for me, wasn't there," he said.

The news 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.

John Tortorella is the new head coach, with eight games left in the regular season and the postseason fast approaching.

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.