Golden Knights Rally Past Canucks in Tortorella’s Coaching Debut
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By Doug Hirdle
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Summary:
- The Vancouver Canucks lost 4-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.
- The game marked John Tortorella’s debut as head coach after replacing Bruce Cassidy.
- Evander Kane marked his 1,000th NHL game with a goal, but Vancouver’s losing streak continues.
The Vegas Golden Knights had a strong comeback on Monday night in the NHL, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 at T-Mobile Arena. The game also marked John Tortorella’s first appearance as head coach after taking over from Bruce Cassidy.
Kane Marked His 1,000th Game
The Canucks had a clear purpose in mind when they started the game, and this helped them take the opening lead through Evander Kane, who scored in his 1,000th NHL game.
The milestone goal gave Vancouver an early momentum and briefly silenced the home crowd, as the visitors showed energy in transition and created several early scoring chances. Kevin Lankinen proved to be steady in net, helping Vancouver protect its lead through the remainder of the first period.
Vegas, on the other hand, began to gradually grow, and the second period proved to be a turning point as it featured rapid swings in momentum and three lead changes in just a few minutes.
The Tempo Shifted
Rasmus Andersson opened the Golden Knights’ scoring, finishing a play that brought Vegas level and shifted the tempo of the game. Vancouver quickly responded when Brock Boeser converted on the power play, restoring the Canucks’ advantage and raising the pressure on the home side.
The response from Vegas was immediate and decisive. Shea Theodore tied the game once again with a confident finish from close range after strong puck movement created space in the offensive zone.
That goal sparked a surge in intensity from the Golden Knights, who started to dictate possession and speed through the neutral zone.
Before the end of the second period, Reilly Smith capitalized on sustained pressure, burying a go-ahead goal off a crisp cross-ice setup from Brayden McNabb. The goal gave Vegas a 3-2 lead and completed a three-goal run that flipped the game firmly in their favor.
Tortorella commented on his side’s bursts of energy and good moments of structure, while emphasizing adjustments are still necessary, especially when it comes to maintaining a direct, north-south style of play.
He described early nerves in the first period but saw improvement as the game progressed.
During the third period, Vancouver tried to push for the equalizer but had a hard time generating consistent pressure against a more structured Vegas defensive effort.
The Golden Knights limited high-danger chances and managed the pace effectively as the clock wound down.
An empty-net goal late in the third period sealed the 4-2 result for Vegas. Adin Hill ended the game with 22 saves in total, offering stability in net during key stretches, especially when Vancouver attempted to regain momentum.
Can the Canucks bounce back? Get the latest betting odds with selected sportsbooks.
