John Tortorella’s first game behind the Vegas bench was far from flawless, but the Golden Knights emerged with a 4-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Monday night at T-Mobile Arena.
Tortorella, coaching his first NHL game in 370 days, admitted to some early miscues. “I was calling (Nic) Dowd by a different name,” he said. “I didn’t realize I was doing it.”
The Knights fell behind 1-0 in the first period on a 2-on-1 goal by Evander Kane. Vegas looked tentative and slow, a stark contrast to the fast, direct style Tortorella wants to implement.
“We looked nervous in the first period,” Tortorella said. “We were slow. I thought we made too many D-to-D plays in the first period, looking for a partner, playing sideways.”
In the second period, Tortorella swapped top-six centers Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner, sparking a turnaround. The Knights scored three goals in the frame: defensemen Rasmus Andersson and Shea Theodore each found the net, and Reilly Smith converted a one-timer set up by Brayden McNabb.
Vegas outshot Vancouver 15-10 in the second period and held a 30-12 edge in shot attempts. “The second period was night and day,” Tortorella said.
“I just want them to relax,” he added. “I want them to realize they’re just in a hockey game and allow themselves to play. And I thought the second period, especially, they did. The bench was more alive. Probably helped us score a goal.”
Defenseman Shea Theodore noted the impact of playing fast. “It’s a really simple part of our game,” he said. “I think playing fast can really elevate our scoring chances. We’re not in our d-zone a lot. I thought it really paid off.”
Tortorella kept most of the systems from predecessor Bruce Cassidy intact, including the five-forward power play unit. He acknowledged there is still work to do on execution, such as calling the correct line after a power play.
“We’ll pick away at it, but I am not going to overthink this,” Tortorella said. “I am not going to overload them and paralyze them. We’ve got some quality people here. I want to come in here and try to help.”
The Knights next face the Canucks again on April 7.
