The Vegas Golden Knights have the perfect chance to clinch the Pacific Division. By nabbing just one measly point in Wednesday's game against the Seattle Kraken, the Golden Knights can go back-to-back in the division. Mind you, that's never happened in franchise history, where the honors have alternated by various teams (think of the Calgary Flames).
Therefore, it's obligatory that Tortorella does whatever it takes to nab that point (or two) and grab another Pacific Division title. That's exactly what he told the Golden Knights media on Wednesday as he prepared for revenge against the Kraken.
Tortorella says the plan is to go full out to try and get this game and lock up the division. No lineup changes and Hart will remain in goal.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) April 15, 2026
It makes perfect sense, too. With the Anaheim Ducks losing on Tuesday, it opens the door for the Golden Knights to go all-out and take the division crown. Mind you, the Oilers don't play until Thursday, when they take on the Vancouver Canucks. But that shouldn't be a problem for Vegas if they stick to the game plan.
That also comes with no lineup changes and Carter Hart sticking to the starting position. In April, Hart has a GAA of 1.80 and a save percentage of .925, making him the de facto starter for Vegas. It comes with good reason, too: Hart and Tortorella have some history together, dating back to their Philadelphia Flyers days (two seasons).
Why John Tortorella's strategy for Wednesday's game matters
First, let's get the obvious out of the way. The Golden Knights don't have a win against the Seattle Kraken this season. I know, it's bizarre to say. However, two overtime/shootout losses and a regulation loss have stymied a Vegas team on the cusp of a division title.
What better way to build some confidence than to beat the Kraken once and for all? You want to end the regular season on a high note, specifically against a team that's annoyed you all season. Close the season out with two points and be on your merry way.
Also, the matchup against the Utah Mammoth doesn't appear as bad as it looks (at least, on paper). While the Mammoth have star players such as Clayton Keller and Karel Vejmelka, the team also doesn't have much playoff experience to its name.
Think of last season against the Minnesota Wild as a perfect example. The Wild had star players such as Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov running wild all over the Golden Knights in the first round. However, the experience factor, led by Bruce Cassidy, was the deciding factor in that series. That applies here as well, with Tortorella being a seasoned head coach (I mean, he won a Stanley Cup and two Jack Adams awards, you know).
All of this should provide an incentive for the Golden Knights to go all-out against the Kraken on Wednesday. They need to end the 2025-26 season on a high note, especially after the roller coaster ride they experienced. I mean, how often is it that you can win the Pacific Division, despite firing your head coach with eight games left? Not often, which is why you take the chance when you can.
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