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The Vancouver Canucks fired head coach John Tortorella and assistant Mike Sullivan Thursday after one disappointing season.
Here’s what you need to know about the firing.
1. The Writing Was on the Wall
BREAKING – John Tortorella will be fired by #canucks tomorrow
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) May 1, 2014
TSN first reported Wednesday night that Tortorella’s firing was a day away, leading to a day of speculation that the move was inevitable. The Canucks later confirmed Tortorella and Sullivan’s firings in a tweet.
John Tortorella and Mike Sullivan have been relieved of their coaching duties. http://t.co/E58Kz3yobk pic.twitter.com/x1tm8FjJ1N
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) May 1, 2014
2. He Was One Year Into a 5-Year-Deal
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The Canucks gave Tortorella the boot with four years remaining on the five-year deal he signed last year, after being let go by the New York Rangers.
3. Tortorella Had Been Suspended Earlier This Season
The coach was suspended for 15 games in January after charging at the Calgary Flames locker room during the first intermission of a game marred by fights, including a full-line brawl immediately after the opening faceoff.
Watch video above of the incident in question and video below of Tortorella discussing the game in his postgame news conference.
4. The Canucks Missed the Playoffs
Goalie Jacob Markstrom reaches out for a puck April 13 against the Calgary Flames. (Getty)
Vancouver finished a disappointing 36-35-11, finishing fifth in the Pacific Division and missing the playoffs.
5. GM Mike Gillis Had Already Been Fired
Gillis, who hired Tortorella was fired immediately after the end of the regular season, leaving Tortorella’s fate in the hands of Trevor Linden.
Watch the video above from Sportsnet’s “Hockey Central” for analysis of Gillis’ firing.