Challenges Faced by John Tortorella: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of John Tortorella. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

John Tortorella is an American professional ice hockey coach and former player. He has served as head coach for several NHL teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks, and Philadelphia Flyers. His most notable achievement is leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the Stanley Cup in 2004, marking a significant milestone in his coaching career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1996: Lightning struggles

In 1996–97, the Tampa Bay Lightning cracked the 60-point barrier for the first time since the season. However, the team lost 50 games or more in every season during that time, so the team was in the dregs of the league.

2005: Post-Lockout Season Challenges

Before the start of the 2005–06 season, Tampa Bay's starting goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin left the team. John Tortorella was hard on Lightning goaltender John Grahame during much of the 2005–06 season.

2008: Playoff drought

In 2008, the Vancouver Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time since the year.

May 29, 2013: Fired by Rangers

On May 29, 2013, John Tortorella was fired by the New York Rangers after their elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs.

January 18, 2014: Suspension for Dressing Room Incident

On January 18, 2014, John Tortorella was suspended for 15 days without pay by the NHL for entering the Calgary Flames' dressing room area during a game. He was trying to confront Flames coach Bob Hartley, accusing him of starting a lineup with intent to injure a star Canuck player.

March 2, 2014: Heritage Classic Controversy

On March 2, 2014, John Tortorella sparked controversy when he chose to start Eddie Läck in the 2014 Heritage Classic in Vancouver over Roberto Luongo.

May 1, 2014: Fired by Canucks

On May 1, 2014, John Tortorella was fired as coach by the Vancouver Canucks after they missed the playoffs. Assistant coach Mike Sullivan was also fired.

2016: Coached Team USA at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey

In 2016, John Tortorella coached Team USA at the World Cup of Hockey. Prior to the tournament, he stated he would bench any player protesting during the national anthem. The team did not advance past the group stage, losing all three games.

December 29, 2019: Comments about Officials

On December 29, 2019, John Tortorella made negative comments about the on-ice officials after the Blue Jackets lost to the Chicago Blackhawks due to a mishandled clock in overtime.

January 2, 2020: $20,000 Fine by the NHL

On January 2, 2020, John Tortorella was fined $20,000 by the NHL for negative comments he made about the on-ice officials on December 29, 2019, after they mishandled the clock in overtime causing the Blue Jackets to lose against the Chicago Blackhawks.

August 25, 2020: $25,000 Fine by the NHL

On August 25, 2020, John Tortorella was fined an additional $25,000 for his actions during virtual media availability following the Blue Jackets' elimination from the playoff bubble by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

March 9, 2024: Ejection from game against Tampa Bay Lightning

On March 9, 2024, John Tortorella was ejected from a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning after a verbal dispute with referees Wes McCauley and Brandon Schrader. He delayed his departure, prolonging the altercation.

March 27, 2025: Relieved of coaching duties with Flyers

On March 27, 2025, John Tortorella was relieved of his coaching duties with the Flyers. Brad Shaw was named the interim head coach following the announcement.