The Golden Knights have made a stunning move with just eight games left in the regular season, firing head coach Bruce Cassidy and replacing him with John Tortorella.
The Golden Knights have made a stunning move with just eight games left in the regular season, firing head coach Bruce Cassidy and replacing him with John Tortorella.
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knights fan in minny
Torts coming to stir the Hornet’s nest
Duckboy
It’s torts glen learner role….in a wreck? Need a check?
Emmanuel
Country Club closed TFN.
The Patton of NHL coaches best quotes:
to a repoter….
…. “You were probably beat up at the bus stop most of the time”
regarding a player……
…… “I thought that little sh*t Benn Ferriero played well.”
After a too many men on ice penalty…..
……“I focus on the dumbness of Carl Hagelin… He played a hell of a game but that’s all washed off from dumbness.”
Fasten your seatbelts…..
TS
Oh god, we traded for an A-HOLE???THAT’S gonna play well with Country Club Vegas’ players and fans.
As a fan, i am more than PISSED at Mgmt for Cassidy’s firing! He’s the scapegoat for all the poor MGMT decisions, no way to see it otherwise. I listened to Ken, and he is absolutely right about it. Cassidy got a STANLEY for us, and he was shown the f- ing DOOR 3 yrs later!!!
Sports are a cuthroat business, it is clear
. The blame game apparently doesn’t include blaming their o-w-n MGMT. This move will turn off fans, guaranteed. As bad as the team has played, to fire Coach over it is a cop- out!!
SHAME ON FOLEY!!! SHAME ON MCRIMMON!!
Pistol Pete
This team had come to not performing anywhere near their potential under Bruce Cassidy. It all gets a little bit complicated.
DONAL MOORE
AMEN
knights fan in minny
Is next Years coach for the Vegas Golden Knights bringing His team to T Mobile for The Frozen 4
A Fan
Go Sioux!
Duckboy
Guess the front office knew there were out if they don’t make it or flame out in the first round.
This like picking a number on a double zero roulette wheel. when it works out you are a genius. the other ~97.4% of the time you are an idiot.
They need to go regardless. Fire McCriminal and McPharce
What a joke.
A Fan
My guess is that also. If they don’t do anything much the rest of this season, Foley will clean house, management and coach this summer. He’ll start all over.
Duckboy
If Foley doesn’t clean house this franchise will begin to circle the bowl….
Pistol Pete
Anything is possible.
Pistol Pete
“They need to go regardless. Fire McCriminal and McPharce
What a joke.”
In eight years (nine including this one but season is undetermined) four division titles, two conference titles (two other conference finals), one Cup? Incompetent FO? Uh huh.
Duckboy
Ken made the points in the video
FO is high off their own supply. You must be using their drugs too based on your comments.
Winning a Stanley cup wasn’t good enough to keep Cassidy here despite struggles. why is the front office exempt? Ken puts it perfectly
What moves since the cup have made the team better? Tell me thinking about cost not just name.
Ps never called them incompetent. They scapegoat the coach and make the roster worse since the cup. Results show it.
Guess some people are ok with that in this forum.
Again they basically are playing a roulette number here as the answer. And 2.6% chance to win this year is majorly generous
KnightWatch
I won’t list all the mistakes the FO has made because I don’t want an 8 post reply. We all know your KM’s PR team :).
Also it’s been stated over and over and we know where you fall with most of them and rehashing wouldn’t contribute anything further. There’s been many blunders since the Cup win with Bruce.
They did hire Cassidy so they do make “some” smart decisions.
I do believe as we All do, something needed to change. I just feel this was a panic move and the wrong one.
He was our BEST coach and a top 3 coach and look forward to rooting for him wherever he lands.
If this proves fruitful feel free to forever post how great the FO is but if Not, accept the fact the FO needs the one to be shown the door, even if that means losing your (pr) job.
Henderson One
They have alot of pieces but no team or team chemistry. The front office needs to go. Maybe we need another video with Foley in the helicopter.
KnightWatch
Ken – How about setting up
ThanksBruceCassidy.vegas
Pistol Pete
I loved the guy really did but the excuse making for losing with a talented roster was getting a little old. A change was needed. Look, one of the hardest jobs. Always living on the verge of extinction. Love you when you win hate you when you don’t. Can’t win in the long run but the play is pretty good. The world of big time sports coaching.
Pistol Pete
Typos:
the PAY is pretty good
Duckboy
Talented roster? Expensive doesn’t always mean talented, but you are a plant from the front office so no wonder you think this is a talented roster.
TS
Pp, Cassidy ran out if ideas, i think
. He has moved and changed and tried just about everything to find the way back to winning, but the team didn’t click. Many new players, veterans injured, really bad trades/ deals…all factors.
Did Cassidy already have ongoing issues with Mgmt, and he KNEW he was gonna be the scapegoat, so he just gave up trying?? Did the team ALSO know Cassidy was on the cutting block, so they stopped PLAYING??
We may never know the real story, but, as a fan, this turns me completely off. I was surprised at Gallant’s firing, not all not surprised at DeBoer’s…but Cassidy’s firing is different. He’s one of the best. Our TEAM, however, has gone from CUP to The DUMP!
Betty Ramsey
Why didn’t they fire McCrimmon instead? He’s the one with the hair brained idea that we needed more guys on the ice & ignored the fact that his pet “Hill” is a problem.
Carl
Bullshit. Fucking utter bullshit. Fourth coach in less than 9 full seasons. When a team full of prime, high $$$ players can’t win it’s whose fault? Not the coach.
Good luck Torts. You have a dead team in full zombie mode…
vgk21
folks, you didn’t really think McCrimmon was going to take the blame, did you?
of course McCrimmon is to blame for the whole situation, but he is trying to cover his ass.
McCrimmon hired Cassidy……. so what happened Kelly? did Cassidy forget how to coach, or did you provide him with a shitty this season?
my vote is on CYA reason 2
huh?
Duckboy
Is it mcriminals team or foley’s? Should we do a welfare check on foley for elder abuse?
Tim
Well easier to fire one then 23. We don’t score always playing from behind not sure Torts the answer not really a stellar won loss record. Oh well management have painted them self in a corner.
postmortem
a Hill to die on.
33 not only demoralized his fellow teammates, but he also brought down the coach too.
the $6 million man….and that is ALL on you, McCrimmon
Ebb
Gary Lawless has to go too
Ellen
I think they need their heads examined. Why would they get rid of Cassidy and then higher a losing coach? Somethings up I don’t know what but this is not normal. Eight games left and they decide to get rid of the coach. What do they think now they’re really not be able to make the playoffs. Trust me on this one. I wonder how all the players feel about this seems to be very quiet right now.
knights fan in minny
The squad is probably shell shocked
Frank
What is up is that they likely knew they were going to make this move anyway after the season was over. It is evident that the collection of talent on the team is not producing equivalent results – and has not been the entire season. This is an underperforming team – in all aspects…. I know we all love coach Cassidy – but at some point he lost the locker room. Again, this was a change that was incoming regardless…. Next up – we will also part ways with our cup winning goaltender and some other pieces. Look for a revamped VGK from coach to players next season.
rb7
If the goalie has to be “insulated”, then that is de facto proof that he is a major problem.
and if the GM knows that, as he certainly does, then that 6 year contract he handed Hill was malpractice, plain and simple.
hdbiker7851
Foley get some balls and place the blame where it belongs – if you don’t show McCrimmon the door you are the biggest problem of all. Cassidy did a great deal for the team and got you your Stanley Cup. When you sit back and allow your underlings to cover their ass for the mistakes they made and continue to make it makes one wonder just how much you are involved. I am certain you did ‘t become the wealthy man you are allowing this kind of shit to go on. I wish Bruce well and hope he kicks the Knights ass wherever he lands up. I am equally certain you will never find a better replacement.
TS
Hb, Perfectly said!!
leonard wise
I have a different opinion I think Foley did this to light a fire under their ass. He will quickly find out if it’s poor management decisions or it was the coach and Tort will let him know where the problems lie. Thus, I wouldn’t be too comfortable if I’m upper management maybe he moves Tort into the front office.
Jake
No one knows the dynamics of coach, management and owner.
The team is in a spiral that demonstrates repeatedly that the team doesn’t seem interested in coming out of the gates with any sense of energy and/or urgency.
How this all relates to “the room” is unknown as well.
I can understand the move
We will see. The pin has been pulled on the grenade, we will see if the explosion creates better results or total destruction.
Duckboy
https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2038439735966744647
Front office propaganda begins
Btw I hope I eat my words and they come good and make the playoffs
Pistol Pete
“No one knows the dynamics of coach, management and owner.”
How right you are Jake. Silly to second guess these guys’ experience given their background as players, managers and executives not to mention SC final inaugural season, Cup in year six, four division titles, four conference finals, two conference titles. It took firing the first two coaches to get it right and win a Cup. Correct decisions made. Now this. I think it was another good move. Bruce seemed to have lost the room. You could tell he had run out of answers.
Myself, wife and one of our sons are going to the Canucks game. I plan on attending Torts’ first practice as well. Can’t wait!
Hdbiker7851
They deserve total destruction – scapegoating to cover their pathetic asses is disgusting.
Richie-Rich
I am officially on the record that this is a shit scapegoat move by the front office. Tortorella can’t shoot, can’t skate and can’t stop a puck. The bottom 6 is a product of the front office, so too is are the massive changes in the defensive corps. Goaltending has always been a chemistry experiment for this front office.
Seems to me that this front office loves to scapegoat the Coach when the finger when they should be looking in the mirror. They and they alone are responsible for the roster and cap chaos.
Look at the recent churn. Petro, Marchy, Karlsson sidelined, Whitecloud, Roy, Hague, Stephenson, Carrier, Amadio. You don’t move that much talent off the ice without paying a tremendous price in team chemistry.
Is there any wonder that players are now coming to Vegas for the payday? It was difficult to watch the absolute lack of desire on the ice for over 30 minutes against the Caps yesterday. The frustration on the faces of Eichel, Stone and others is telling. It’s not the HC. It’s the roster and cap chaos.
TS
Rr, absolutely!!!!
Frank
Question is – do you start by off loading players… or try to change up the coaching staff. It is evident that the team (for whatever reason – and personally I think it is chemistry, not talent…. we have a pretty decent roster aside from goaltending) has underperformed the entire season…. Say what you want, but the coaching has much to do with this. I like Cassidy (I thought what they did to Gallant was worse IMHO) and probably won’t get a coach with a better win pct. But maybe something different is what this team needs to get going. If not, then by all means, start offloading some players. I will bet for sure that we have different goaltending next season.
Hdbiker7851
Thank RR – someone with a head on their shoulders. They fired one of the best coaches in the NHL. I am certain he will have another job shortly and look forward to kicking the vgks ass unfortunately. If the Creator doesn’t clean house the fiasco will continue.
DeezNutz
Earlier than expected but I like the move. Hopefully Torts goes in there and kicks their asses.
Pistol Pete
Did anybody listen to what turned out to be Bruce’s last post-game? He sounded uncharacteristically weak. A man whose back was against the wall having run out of answers for why his team was not playing up to it’s potential. The slow starts, the poor OT record, inconsistent scoring, all the rest of it. A change was needed. The players needed a new guy. It can happen.
https://youtu.be/qeU6eOvZKgw
Richie-Rich
The Coach didn’t lose the locker room, McCrimmon did. Way too much roster chaos the past two years.
Richie-RIch
Take off the rose colored glasses. Cassidy has been one of the best HCs in the league. You were a fan of DeBoer, until the FO gave him the boot, and a fan of Butch until the FO gave him the boot. I pretty much can say the same about every player that has ever been given the boot here.
At some point you have to begin realizing that too much roster and cap chaos is not a sustainable strategy. Along with the picks that have been given away this team now has a very short window to contend for another championship. Very short. When the sand runs out of that hour glass this front office is going to be jettisoned as well. The Lightning have managed the roster & cap chaos better than any other NHL team in the league.
Pistol Pete
It would not surprise in hiring Torts the brass stipulated that they require a kinder gentler version of the guy.
DONAL MOORE
You know I’m sitting here wondering because why would you get this coach nothing against them but he doesn’t have the stats he doesn’t you know he’s he’s a marginal coat coach I would like to think more he’s probably just a rental you know a rental coat like get us through the end of this season while they tried to negotiate a better coach cuz of all the ones they’ve had this is the biggest step down in hiring a coach it’s overall success run and stature is poor a couple almost a lot more no way possible
Pistol Pete
He is a rental paid for only the remainder of the season so that is always possible. He may work out too. The players may like playing for him and the FO is more than likely requiring a kinder gentler version of the man. I’m excited for the change. It’s obvious Cassidy flamed out here with little hope for the future. Such is coaching in the NHL. Not for the faint of heart.
Pistol Pete
Amen SMH!
Will be interesting to see how things go for Jared Bednar and Jon Cooper in the playoffs. Both have experienced the doldrums in the postseason after winning their last Cup with Bednar going out in rounds 1,2,1. Both have survived to put together strong 2025-26 regular seasons a point the VGK FO did not allow Cassidy to reach. I know it’s painful for fans to see Cassidy go but imo it was the correct move. The chemistry with his team seemed to have been lost and did not bode well for the rest of the season and beyond.
Sure will be interesting to see how Torts does as his approach too is defense first. However, maybe just maybe he’ll motivate and let the players including the D go out and do what comes most naturally to them namely move the puck and put it in the back of the net! Is that not what hockey players are supposed to do?!!! Is that not what happens in Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis and Tampa? Defending is a core part but it can’t take over to the detriment of not putting the puck in the net.
Pistol Pete
I’d like to reiterate Gallant and DeBoer were never going to win a Cup, Cassidy was capable of it, the brainy McPhee understood this, the rest is history. And please don’t sell McCrimmon short. He’s no dummy and knows the business both as a player and manager. As a player with the talent to be drafted into the major juniors he eventually chose an NCAA career and college education going on to win the Stanley Cup.
Hdbiker7851
PPete – your PR relation concerning Mccrimmon has turned into a joke. His time has come for the Creator to show him the door. A player with talent would have gone to the NHL not NCAA so stop making such foolish statements. He did some good initially but later made some real dumb moves that dismantled a winner. The latest dumb move to cover his ass for all his errors was moving on Cassidy one of the best coaches in the NHL and replacing him with a has been. If thee Creator wants to rise again to the top the FO needs to be cleaned out probably both Mccrimmon and his side kick who likewise is covering his ass also by not firing Mccrimmon.
Pistol Pete
While I want to be optimistic and believe the players will thrive playing under him I have my doubts. We’ll just have to see how these last eight games go especially against EDM and COL.
———————————–
John Tortorella is widely recognized for a “no-nonsense,” intense, and accountability-driven coaching style that emphasizes hard work, defensive structure, and winning over individual accolades. He is known for pushing players to their limits, demanding accountability, and prioritizing team play, often creating a direct, sometimes confrontational, environment.
Key aspects of his approach include:
Direct Communication: Players know where they stand with him immediately; he confronts issues directly rather than playing mind games.
Accountability & Effort: He demands maximum effort and rewards players based on merit, often limiting ice time for those not playing up to his standard.
No-Nonsense Structure: He prioritizes team defense, structural discipline, and being “hard to play against”.
Intense Style: He is known for his passionate and sometimes fiery temper, which he uses to push his players and, at times, to protect them from media scrutiny.
While his style has seen success and helps teams exceed expectations, it has been described as having a “short shelf life” on certain teams
Pistol Pete
Whether appropriate or not a mark against Cassidy was putting Marner at center. Never questioning his judgement I supported it. Marner played center in the juniors and wanted to be one in Totonto. On the other hand though he was an NHL right winger so to move him to center even with Karlsson out was an iffy move. I would like to see him up with Eichel. My initial thought was use the two guys to enhance each other’s goal scoring.
Barbashev-Eichel-Marner
Dorofeyev-Hertl-Stone
R. Smith/Connelly-Sissons-Bowman
Howden-Dowd-Kolesar
Scratch: Saad, C.Smith
Maybe Howden as 3C and move Sissons down to 4LW. Of course Connelly will probably not be called up but one never knows.
JB
What an embarrassment for the Knights organization! Big head covering his mistakes. Torts a firey guy, but what can he do in 8 games. Butch deserved to finish the season. It’s obvious Foley has lost control of this team. The two McGMs rule. Good luck to Butch wherever he winds up. I will root for you sir. Thanks for bringing us the cup! Goodluck!
Cliff Falla
On NHL radio this morning Jonathan Davis, NHL insider said that Vegas players have told him personally that they absolutely hate Cassidy and they didn’t even look forward to going to the rink every day. Same thing happened in Boston
rb7
oh, and btw, they still have the same coaching staff minus Cassidy, right?
and those guys are just as responsible for the day to day instruction of the team. and they are not Torts guys. so why are they exempt from McCrimmon’s wrath?
so, it is basically a figurehead replacement.
a CYA move to cover the FO’s asses, and to also placate a few disgruntled players.
Pistol Pete
There are no changes to the lineup at morning skate.
Barbashev-Eichel-Stone
Howden-Marner-Dorofeyev
Smith-Hertl-Sissons
C.Smith-Dowd-Kolesar
McNabb-Theodore
Hanifin-Korczak
Lauzon-Andersson
Not sure I get Bowman remaining a scratch. With his excellent 26 pts in 54 rookie games he could be in for C. Smith who has 10 pts in 55 games. Guess Cassidy favored deploying the veteran Smith a recent acquisition? Perhaps Torts will put Bowman back in?
Schmid and Hart the goalies at the practice so looks like Schmid tonight. Hart is said to be playing soon.
JB
Just listened to Ken’s podcast on the firing. Good job. Way to give it to the FO idiots. It will be interesting how the “company men”, our pregame hosts, spin this. I’m sure it will reflect whatever the team wants to put out there?
Pistol Pete
Ken .is way way extreme way way pessimistic on this imo. In fact I only bothered listening to the very beginning of it.
knights fan in minny
The squad will be on pins and needles tonight
Pistol Pete
I like how he sounded like it a lot. McPhee and McCrimmon won a Cup by moving on from Gallant and DeBoer. They made another right move here.
https://youtu.be/3ywIjHysIBk
Pistol Pete
Btw meant to mention I played prep school hockey in Connecticut and I can tell you just how effing good you have to to play for the University of Maine like Torts did.
But yeah he made a lot of sense in the presser. I realize it’s been said that his style can wear thin on players after a couple years but it’s also been said they like playing for him. Coming into an already successful organization is new for Torts and he mentions that, This could be a nice set-up. Good call by the FO.
Emmanuel
He had an interesting minor league career to say the least……
knights fan in minny
Everything sounds good when it’s new How do you know it’s the right move You spitball too much stuff
Pistol Pete
KM on firing Cassidy. Bruce just could not figure out how to get the group to score early and often and stop digging themselves into a hole so many times. Can’t win playoff series that way.
https://youtu.be/D56wYn7ZoGo
Frank
Just as an aside to this conversation…. found the following stats interesting since the record has been soooo poor as of late……. Since the Olympic break, Vegas rank 3rd in 5v5 xGoal share, shot share, and shot attempt share. They’ve also allowed the fewest shots against per 60 and the 3rd-fewest xGoals against. They are last in shooting % (6.8%), second-last in save % (86.9%) and last in PDO (93.7). Simply put… Vegas was not scoring on the chances they had and not making the saves they needed to make…. terrible combination………
Richie-Rich
Here’s an alternative to the firing. Butch tells McCrimmon to shove his roster madness where the sun doesn’t shine and asks to be fired.
They both agree to the narrative that Butch is fired. But the truth is far from it.