The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals to advance to the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals. While the victory added another feather to the Knights' HC John Tortorella's cap, an NHL insider revealed a record that displayed his success with the team.

Besides the players, Tortorella also stands as an undeniable factor in the Knights' success at the playoffs. The 67-year-old veteran coach was hired in Las Vegas on March 29, replacing Bruce Cassidy, who was fired with only eight games left in their regular season.

Following the Knights' Game 4 victory, NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared an X update highlighting Tortorella's impressive record with the team. It read, "John Tortorella was out of work on March 28, not sure if he'd ever get another shot behind an NHL bench. Less than two months later, he's coaching in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2004. #ForgedInGold are 19-4-1 under Tortorella. Incredible."

Vegas now holds a 19-4-1 record under Tortorella, by combining their late regular-season form with their full playoff run. 

John Tortorella is a veteran coach with experience in guiding 23 NHL seasons, having previously coached the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Philadelphia Flyers. 

He won the Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay in 2004 and is known for his disciplined approach. His arrival in Vegas has raised a lot of doubts earlier if the team could catch up to his guidance so late in the season.

But it can be safely said that he is answering his critics with his work.

Vegas' Playoff Run Under John Tortorella

The Golden Knights opened their playoff campaign by defeating Utah and then Anaheim in back-to-back series. By the time they reached the Western Conference Final against Colorado, their discipline was the most notable feature of their game.

Mark Stone and Cole Smith scored as the Golden Knights blocked Colorado with their offense, winning 2-1 in Game 4 to win it entirely. 

Stone opened the scoring, from a pass by defenseman Brayden McNabb, while Smith tipped in a shot late in the game to secure the goal. Goaltender Carter Hart was in solid form throughout the game, stopping 20 shots.

Colorado, which led the NHL in goals during the regular season with 298, managed just seven in four games against Vegas. 

John Tortorella returns to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2004, with a gap of 22 years, where he and his team would be facing the winner of the Eastern Conference Final between Carolina and Montreal. 

The veteran team led by Stone and Eichel, with strong goaltending from Hart, has made Vegas a serious contender in the playoffs. John Tortorella's arrival has just given guidance and structure to an already talented team.

Read more at NHL Fan Central

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Souvik Roy