Pat McAfee added fuel to the NHL conversation this week while praising the remarkable playoff run of the Vegas Golden Knights — and taking a playful shot at Canada along the way.
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Speaking on his show after Vegas completed a stunning sweep of the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final, McAfee could barely contain his excitement over the Golden Knights’ transformation under coach John Tortorella.
“Don’t look now, Torts might have turned the Vegas Golden Knights into the greatest hockey team that ever existed,” McAfee said.
He continued by highlighting Vegas’ physical style, depth, and confidence before referencing captain Jack Eichel and Team USA’s Olympic gold-medal victory over Canada earlier this year.
“Jack Eichel is obviously fresh off an Olympic gold medal. Sorry, Canada,” McAfee joked.
The comments immediately caught attention online, especially with the Montreal Canadiens remaining the only Canadian team still alive in the playoffs.
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Pat McAfee highlights Vegas’ identity shift under Tortorella
Vegas Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
McAfee’s over-the-top praise reflects a bigger reality about Vegas’ playoff surge. Few expected the Golden Knights to dominate this postseason after management fired Bruce Cassidy with only eight games remaining in the regular season.
Instead of collapsing, Vegas completely changed its identity under Tortorella.
The Golden Knights closed the regular season with a 7-0-1 stretch before carrying that momentum into the playoffs. They defeated the Utah Mammoth and Anaheim Ducks before dismantling Colorado in four straight games.
“The reason why I’m saying that is because they just swept the team that was being called the greatest team that maybe ever has existed,” McAfee said.
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Vegas Golden Kngits’ improved structure
Vegas Golden Knights and primary owner of the Vegas Golden Knights Bill Foley are presented with the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The biggest difference has been structure. Vegas now plays with far more defensive discipline while still generating high-danger scoring chances. Tortorella simplified responsibilities, tightened neutral-zone coverage, and pushed the group toward a heavier forechecking style.
“Torts, absolute dog, has rallied this group to become a unified bunch who’s on the ice with dangles and talent, but also a brutal physical style,” McAfee said. “And they got this us-against-the-world mentality that might lead them to Lord Stanley Cup.”
That approach fits the roster perfectly.
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Eichel continues driving play at an elite level, while veterans like Mark Stone, since his return, provide defensive pressure and physicality. Vegas also benefits from strong goaltending from Carter Hart and one of the deepest forward groups remaining in the postseason.
McAfee’s comments about Canada may have been delivered jokingly, but they also reflected the current hockey landscape. Canadian franchises continue to struggle, while teams like Vegas and Florida keep building a modern powerhouse.