Tortorella skips handshake line and media after Golden Knights clinch series

Vegas Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella did not take part in the customary post-series handshake line and skipped his post-game media duties on Thursday, May 14, after the team eliminated the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the second round. The club also kept its dressing room closed to media, limiting availability to three players.

The departure from standard protocol came on the night the Golden Knights secured the series in six games. The team advances to face the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final next week.

Reporters on site said Tortorella briefly acknowledged Anaheim’s coaching staff from the bench area before heading straight to the team bus, foregoing the on-ice handshake line that typically involves players and coaches. The Golden Knights did not hold a head coach press conference following the win. Only two players appeared at the main podium and one additional player was brought to a side room, an unusually narrow availability window for a series-clinching night.

The organization did not provide an official explanation for the altered routine. The NHL’s post-game customs, including the handshake line and formal media access, are generally observed across the league, particularly at the end of a playoff series. Any deviation draws scrutiny because it runs counter to long-standing expectations around sportsmanship and media obligations.

Team frustration over McNabb suspension

The actions followed a contentious ruling involving Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb. McNabb was suspended for Game 6 after a hit on Anaheim’s Ryan Poehling in Game 5 that drew a five-minute major penalty for interference and forced Poehling out of the game with an upper-body injury. McNabb, who is in his 14th NHL season, had not previously been suspended.

People around the team indicated the suspension was a source of frustration. Broadcasters also suggested the injury to Poehling factored into the Department of Player Safety’s decision to issue supplemental discipline. While there was no official tie made between the ruling and Tortorella’s post-game decisions, the timing and the club’s visible displeasure fueled speculation about a connection.

Limited media access after clinching win

Following the victory, the Golden Knights did not open their dressing room as they typically would. For the night, the team made only three players available for questions, including Brett Howden and Mitch Marner at the podium. Tightened access after a clincher is unusual and drew attention given the accompanying absence of the head coach.

Tortorella assumed the Golden Knights’ coaching role on March 29. With the team now through to the Western Conference Final, he is expected to address his conduct before the next round begins. The club has not announced any internal review or additional comments regarding the post-game procedures.

Avalanche await in West Final

The Golden Knights are scheduled to face the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final, with Game 1 set for Wednesday, May 20. Colorado enters the series as one of the league’s pace-setting teams, setting up a high-profile matchup for a place in the Stanley Cup Final.

It was not immediately clear whether the league would comment on the missed media availability or the departure from the handshake custom. Attention now turns to preparations for the Avalanche, where lineup choices and discipline will be in focus ahead of Game 1.