Golden Knights Win Pacific Division After Coaching Change

The Vegas Golden Knights have transformed a midseason coaching shakeup into a division title, entering the NHL playoffs with renewed momentum after general manager Kelly McCrimmon's bold decision to replace Bruce Cassidy with John Tortorella on March 29.

The move came as the team clung to a fragile playoff position, prompting McCrimmon to act despite Cassidy's track record, which included guiding Vegas to its only Stanley Cup in 2023. Under Tortorella, a 67-year-old veteran known for his fiery style and a 2004 Stanley Cup win with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Golden Knights posted a 7-0-1 record. This surge propelled them to their fifth Pacific Division championship in nine seasons, a stark turnaround from their earlier struggles.

Tortorella emphasized continuity upon arrival, avoiding sweeping overhauls. "I knew it was a good team coming in," he said this week. "I know it was coached well prior to me. I had some points of emphasis, probably three or four, that I want to bring across to them. We've done that. I think they feel good about themselves." His adjustments focused on fostering a more aggressive north-south style of play, shifting the team's performance from averaging...