The Vegas Golden Knights have fired Bruce Cassidy as head coach and hired John Tortorella. Now, fans are mocking the Golden Knights over their decision.
The Golden Knights have won just one of their last seven games. And on Sunday, the organization decided to part ways with Cassidy.
READ MORE: Matvei Michkov’s hilarious text to former coach John Tortorella
Vegas fired Bruce Cassidy
Cassidy was hired for the 2022–23 season after the team missed the playoffs the year before. He led the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup victory in his first season and has had them considered a true contender ever since. However, the team has been struggling lately and currently sits just four points above the Los Angeles Kings, the first team below the Western Conference playoff cut line.
With eight games left in the regular season, the Golden Knights have turned to John Tortorella. Tortorella most recently coached the Philadelphia Flyers but was fired in March 2025.
John Tortorella takes over Vegas
Tortorella won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004 and is the ninth-winningest coach in NHL history, with 770 wins.
“We believe that a change is necessary for us to return to the level of play that is expected of our club. With John Tortorella, we bring in a Stanley Cup champion as well as one of the most experienced and respected coaches in the NHL. His guidance will be a great asset to our team at this pivotal point in the season,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said in a statement to NHL.com.
Fans mock the team
Online, fans are now mocking the hire. Tortorella is known throughout the hockey world as a very energetic and outspoken coach.
“Legit had to check the calendar to see if it was April 1,” one fan wrote on X.
“This is going to be absolutely hilarious when they don’t make the playoffs now,” another wrote.
“Firing a Stanley Cup-winning coach when the team occupies a playoff spot… that’s a choice,” a third chimed in.
“How many games until Tortorella makes Marner cry?” a fourth asked.
The Golden Knights’ next game is against the Vancouver Canucks.
READ MORE: John Tortorella once tried to fight one of his own players
