Vegas Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella looks on during the first period in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Vegas Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella speaks after the game win against the Utah Mammoth of Game 6 in the first round of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series, Friday, May 1, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)
Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley, middle, celebrate after winning Game 4 of the Western Conference finals NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
LAS VEGAS (AP) — John Tortorella is having the time of his life.
The sharp-tongued coach famous for blowups with the media, players and opponents is headed back to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since leading Tampa Bay to the 2004 title. He has been with Vegas for all of nine weeks — more than enough time to turn the Golden Knights into a unlikely championship favorite in what could be a bruising series against Carolina.
