As the 2025-26 NHL regular season approaches its end, the Vegas Golden Knights have made a coaching change to boost their chances of success in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon confirmed on March 29 that the team had fired Bruce Cassidy. John Tortorella, who has not coached in the NHL since being sacked by the Philadelphia Flyers in March 2025, has been appointed until the end of the season.
Vegas is hoping that by bringing in the 2004 Stanley Cup winner, it can arrest its poor form, which has taken a hit to its playoff aspirations. While they remain six points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings in the Pacific Division, they had gone 3-5-2 in their last 10 games prior to Tortorella’s arrival and were 8-15-4 since January 19.
Tortorella’s reign began well with a 4-2 win over the Canucks, and his appointment could yet lead to a change in fortunes that ultimately clinches a playoff berth and puts them on the path to success. A closer look at betting markets shows how the coaching switch has impacted the Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup odds.
Vegas Strong Contender to Reach the Playoffs
The Golden Knights still have favorable odds of making the Stanley Cup playoffs after Tortorella’s appointment. Sportsbooks still have Vegas at -750 to reach the postseason despite the volatility surrounding the team.
Their strength of schedule certainly helps. Aside from difficult matches against playoff rivals Edmonton and Central Division leaders Colorado, Vegas is considered the favorite in the majority of its remaining fixtures.
A favorable run-in could mean that the likes of Jack Eichel and Pavel Dorofeyev, who lead the way for goals and assists in 2025-26 for Vegas, become favorable Daily Fantasy Sports picks for players. For readers looking to get involved in DFS for the last few weeks of the NHL season, promos at Dabble will help you start building your roster.
Golden Knights Remain Outsiders to Win Pacific
That said, Vegas is considered an outsider by the majority of sportsbooks in the race to win the Pacific, despite the Golden Knights’ decision to bring in Tortorella.
Their current five-point deficit to Anaheim makes it unlikely they will surpass the Ducks. The current division leaders are the clear favorites for the Pacific, coming in at -300 for multiple sportsbooks. Vegas, meanwhile, is +2500.
Edmonton, three points ahead of Vegas presently, is seen as the main competitor in the final stretch of the regular season. The Oilers boast the NHL’s leading point scorer and Art Ross Trophy contender, Connor McDavid. But even with his tally of 125 points, the six-time division champions are still +290 to finish first in 2025-26.
Vegas Longshots to Win the Stanley Cup
Of the three main contenders in the Pacific, Anaheim is considered the biggest outsider. The Ducks are hoping to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2017-18, and their lack of recent playoff pedigree has led multiple sportsbooks to list them at +4000 to win their first Stanley Cup in 19 years.
Vegas, meanwhile, is at +1500 with many betting sites despite its regular-season slump. It’s the Oilers who are considered to have the best chances of all Pacific teams, having lost the final twice in the last two years.
Nevertheless, at +1200, even Edmonton is way behind the favorites to win the NHL championship. Colorado still leads the pack, priced at around +300. Standout performances from Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, as well as several others, have put the Avalanche in the driving seat.
Tampa Bay is still considered their closest contender at +450. Tortorella’s former team is well-balanced and can call upon experienced professionals, including Nikita Kucherov, as the Lightning seek their fourth Stanley Cup.
Sportsbooks have then priced the Metropolitan leaders, Carolina, at +500. The Hurricanes have looked consistent across the board this season, which could make them a difficult proposition for any potential playoff opponents.