VANCOUVER — The Vegas Golden Knights’ 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday wasn’t pretty, but it was exactly the kind of game John Tortorella wants his team to win.
Ten days ago, the Knights were four points out of a playoff spot. Now, after four straight wins, they’re tied for first in the Pacific Division with four games remaining. The turnaround began when Tortorella took over as coach, and his emphasis on a north-south mentality has paid immediate dividends.
“On a night where it was just a grind, we just stayed with it,” Tortorella said. “It certainly wasn’t pretty. Find a way to lead, we found a way to win.”
The Knights dominated the shot clock 63-42 and held a 29-14 edge in scoring chances, including 14-4 in high-danger chances. Expected goals favored Vegas 3.74 to 1.42. Yet the game remained tight until the final horn.
“We didn’t give them much,” Tortorella added. “It’s just one of those games where it can get away from you. That’s what I like about our team. They stuck with it.”
Brayden McNabb opened the scoring with a point shot through traffic, with Tomas Hertl providing the screen. “The guys did a great job down low,” McNabb said. “I just tried to get it on net. Tommy kind of did all the work in front to make him not see it, so he should get most of the credit.”
Cole Smith netted the game-winner after forcing a turnover at the blue line, capitalizing on a forechecking sequence from the fourth line. Two goals from unlikely sources — a defensive defenseman and a recent call-up — underscored the depth Tortorella is fostering.
“I think that’s a really good sign for our team,” Tortorella said.
The Knights have outscored opponents 17-7 during their winning streak, a stretch that includes a victory over the Edmonton Oilers, who were missing Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. Whether this run would have happened under former coach Bruce Cassidy is debatable, but the players credit Tortorella’s message for their renewed focus.
“Good teams win those games. Teams that don’t get there in the end lose those games,” Tortorella said. “To me, it’s a good sign for the hockey club.”
