John Tortorella's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of John Tortorella. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1976: Hall of Fame Induction

In 1976, John Tortorella was inducted into Concord-Carlisle High School's athletic Hall of Fame.

1996: Calder Cup Win

In 1996, John Tortorella won the Calder Cup with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL).

2002: First Winning Season

In the 2002–03 season, John Tortorella had his first winning season as an NHL head coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2003: Southeast Division Title

In 2003, John Tortorella's Lightning won their first Southeast Division title, losing to the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the playoffs. He was also a finalist for the Jack Adams Award.

2004: Stanley Cup Win and Jack Adams Award

In 2004, John Tortorella led the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the Stanley Cup and was awarded the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year.

2004: Stanley Cup Championship

In 2004, John Tortorella led the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the Stanley Cup championship.

March 11, 2008: Most Successful American-Born Coach

On March 11, 2008, John Tortorella surpassed Bob Johnson as the most successful American-born NHL coach with 235 victories after the Lightning defeated the New York Islanders.

November 20, 2010: 300 NHL Wins

On November 20, 2010, John Tortorella became the first American-born coach to reach 300 NHL victories when the Rangers defeated the Minnesota Wild.

2011: Rangers' 50-Win Season

In the 2011–12 season, John Tortorella guided the New York Rangers to their third-ever 50-win season and the best record in the Eastern Conference. He was also a finalist for the Jack Adams Award.

March 26, 2013: 400 Career Wins

On March 26, 2013, John Tortorella became the first U.S.-born coach to reach 400 career victories with a 5–2 defeat of Peter Laviolette's Flyers.

October 5, 2013: First Victory with Canucks

On October 5, 2013, John Tortorella earned his first victory with the Canucks against the Edmonton Oilers, with a final score of 6–2.

March 19, 2016: Coaches 1000th NHL Game

On March 19, 2016, when the Blue Jackets faced the New Jersey Devils, John Tortorella became the 26th head coach in NHL history, and the first born in the United States, to coach 1,000 games.

December 18, 2016: 500th Victory and Jack Adams Award

On December 18, 2016, the Blue Jackets defeated the Canucks, making John Tortorella the first American-born coach with 500 victories. His success in the 2016–17 NHL season resulted in his second Jack Adams Award.

January 10, 2019: 600th Victory

On January 10, 2019, John Tortorella became the first American-born coach, and 19th overall, to reach 600 victories when the Blue Jackets defeated the Nashville Predators.

December 29, 2023: 1,500th NHL Game

On December 29, 2023, John Tortorella coached his 1,500th NHL regular season game, becoming the eighth head coach in NHL history, and the first American-born coach to reach the mark.