Usually when an NHL team cleans out its front office and coaching staff, it takes a few years until that team contends again for a playoff spot. The Vancouver Canucks made those big changes last offseason and yet have managed to be in a playoff position with less than two weeks left in the season.
When John Tortorella was hired to become head coach of the Vancouver Canucks prior to the 2013-14 season, the hockey world immediately questioned the decision.
How would the fiery Tortorella get along with the laid-back Sedin twins? Could “Torts” coexist with mercurial goalie Roberto Luongo? Could Torts make his imprint on a line-up built by then general manager Mike Gillis?
In the end, the Tortorella experiment proved to be a disaster. Luongo was traded to Florida after being benched for the outdoor Stadium Series game at B.C. Place. The Sedins saw their offensive output drop dramatically and the Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.
Sweeping changes came quickly. Both Gillis and Tortorella were fired. Former Canuck captain Trevor Linden took over as president of hockey operations and alternate governor.
