Successful First Step, Much Steeper Climb Ahead For Tortorella’s Golden Knights

It wasn’t exactly the stark contrast the Golden Knights were hoping for in John Tortorella’s first game behind the bench in Vegas, but ultimately, they got the necessary result, and at this time of year, that’s what matters most.

We looked nervous in the 1st period, and we were slow. 2nd period was night and day. -John Tortorella

For the 44th time in 75 games, the Golden Knights conceded first, and it sucked the life out of the building. This time, though, it did not compound. They were able to get to the period break down just one goal. Then, like this year’s VGK have done many times in the past, they got up off the mat and got back to work.

It was the defensemen leading the charge offensively in the middle frame that decided the game. First, Rasmus Andersson activated off the weak side to arrive as an option for Tomas Hertl in the slot. Next, Shea Theodore jumped up into the rush, converting on a one-on-none breakaway created by Ivan Barbashev. Finally, Brayden McNabb sent a diagonal pass to the back door for an unguarded Reilly Smith to tap in.

We talked about trying to play up ice, trying to check forward, trying to get up the ice, and just not playing safe. We’ll look at some tape and continue to teach… an aggressive mindset of playing north and playing simple. -Tortorella

Tortorella continued to insist that there weren’t many, if any, true changes to the way the Golden Knights played. The points of emphasis were more reminders of concepts they’ve heard in the past rather than anything completely new.

And that’s where the opponent comes in.

The Vancouver Canucks are not only the worst team in the NHL, they are by far the worst team in the NHL. Their .342 points percentage is more than 100 basis points worse than the league’s 31st-best team. To put that in perspective, Chicago (.453), the team directly in front of Vancouver, is closer to catching the Golden Knights (.547) than they are to falling behind the Canucks.

This has happened before for these Golden Knights. Two weeks ago, they smashed the Blackhawks 4-0 at T-Mobile Arena after defeating the Crosby and Malkin-less Penguins two nights before, and some declared they had “turned the corner.” Heading into the Olympic break, VGK dominated Vancouver before scoring four goals on consecutive shots the following night against the Kings. Each of these instances happened within the last 20 games, and a coaching change was still necessary.

The season has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs that have mostly coincided with the strength of the schedule. Against lesser teams, the best aspects of Vegas’ game have come through, especially at the right times. It hasn’t worked as well against the league’s elites.

Tortorella’s job is to change that.

I just want them to relax. I want them to realize they’re just in a hockey game and allow themselves to play. I don’t want them to be afraid to make a mistake but the mistakes being made have to be done through aggression, not by sitting back. It’s a mindset and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish. -Tortorella

It’s one thing for the mindset to shine through for a 10-minute stretch in the 2nd period of a home game against the worst team in hockey, but that’s the team that was on the schedule in Tortorella’s first game in charge.

It needs to reappear Thursday against Calgary, then Saturday in Edmonton, then Tuesday in Vancouver, then Thursday in Seattle, and on and on and on through the playoffs.

There’s reason for hope and optimism after the Golden Knights fought through some of the same problems they’ve faced and came out the other side victorious. Now it’s time for the next step. Do it again, and again, and again. Step off the rollercoaster and hop on the elevator.