Tortorella downplays impact on Golden Knights' success, McCrimmon praises him
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 1, 2026, 10:03 PM
Last updated Jun 1, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon defended John Tortorella’s role after the team's successful postseason run, which included wins over the Utah Mammoth, Anaheim Ducks, and Colorado Avalanche. Tortorella, recently hired to replace Bruce Cassidy, referred to himself as a 'guidance counselor,' attributing the team's success to the players' capabilities. The Golden Knights are currently competing in the Stanley Cup Final following a strong finish to the regular season. McCrimmon highlighted Tortorella's ability to read the room and adjust coaching strategies to meet team needs during the critical stretch leading up to the playoffs.
- •Golden Knights advanced to Stanley Cup Final after beating key playoff opponents.
- •Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy just before playoffs began.
- •Team finished regular season 7-0-1 under Tortorella's leadership.
- •McCrimmon commended Tortorella's effective coaching style.
- 10:03 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Guidance Counselor’ Tortorella ‘Being Really Modest’ About Role With Golden Knights, Says McCrimmon
"In a league where only the strong survive, the Vegas Golden Knights have earned the reputation of being a team willing to become stronger by any means necessary. They aren’t shy about adding to their team, whether by means of signing a prize free agent like Alex Pietrangelo or taking a swing at a top trade target as they did with Mitch Marner and Mark Stone.
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