Sunday night, a bombshell dropped. With just eight games remaining, Vegas fired coach Bruce Cassidy, replacing him with John Tortorella. Cassidy was thought to be on shaky ground due to the recent poor performance of the Golden Knights, but Torts coming in as coach was certainly not on the radar.

This is the fifth time a team has fired their coach with less than 10 games remaining since the 1980 season. Only once has the replacement won the Cup, with Larry Robinson helming the Devils to the Silver Chalice after Robbie Ftorek was let go. Can Torts be the second?

Tortorella, despite his bluster in press conferences and demanding practices, is viewed by many as a player's coach. If you hustle, give 100% and be willing to sacrifice your body - when necessary - you will have no problems. If you don't, well, look up Larry Brooks and Torts press conferences on You Tube for a visual. 

The key is between the pipes. If Adin Hill regains his 2023 form, Vegas can make a run. If not, Akira Schmid or Carter Hart may not be up to the task in net. Torts only has a contract for the rest of the season, continuing forward might depend on how the Knights do. Based on his background and ability - at least initially to geet buy in - don't rule out the Knights.