Following the recent developments in the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights have appointed a new head coach. This comes after the departure of John Tortorella, who led the team for a brief period.
Craig Named Head Coach of the Golden Knights
The Golden Knights announced that Craig will succeed Tortorella as their new head coach. Tortorella took over the coaching role on March 29, just before the regular season’s final stretch, with eight games left to play.
Tortorella’s Tenure and Impact
During his time with the club, Tortorella guided the Golden Knights to an impressive record of 7-0-1. This success propelled the team into the Stanley Cup playoffs, where they ultimately reached the Stanley Cup Final. Despite their efforts, the Golden Knights were defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes in six games.
- Record under Tortorella: 7 wins, 0 losses, 1 overtime loss
- Playoff Outcome: Advanced to Stanley Cup Final
- Opponent: Carolina Hurricanes
- Series Result: Lost in six games
Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon expressed gratitude for Tortorella’s contributions. He noted that Tortorella’s leadership was vital during a crucial time for the team.
Tortorella’s Coaching Legacy
John Tortorella’s coaching career spans 24 seasons, during which he has amassed a record of 777 wins, 648 losses, and 166 ties. He has coached several teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, and the Golden Knights. His playoff record stands at 70-72, and he famously won the Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay in 2004.
Current NHL Coaching Landscape
Amidst these changes, the Edmonton Oilers are currently the only NHL team without a head coach. The appointment of Craig signals a new chapter for the Golden Knights as they look forward to the upcoming season.
