(Photo Credit: @GoldenKnights on X/Twitter)

In 2006, the John Tortorella-led Tampa Bay Lightning were facing elimination in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. Previously, the Lightning had lost a hard-fought Game 5, and their backs were against the wall. Well, if you know your hockey history, you know that the 2004 SCF Game 6 hard launched Tortorella’s Hall of Fame career.

Our team understands the situation, and the pressure that goes with it, and they’ve experienced it before. We have got a good locker room. I trust the group, I trust all the situations that come at them. Do we succeed all the time? No, but I trust them. -John Tortorella

Much like the Golden Knights, the 2004 Stanley Cup champion Lightning were also facing elimination in Game 6. Tortorella’s Lighting won by the skin of their teeth, 3-2 on overtime. Nevertheless, they won and put themselves in a position to win a Stanley Cup.

Tortorella firmly believes it’s about to happen again.

We’ll be back here. We’re just going to do it in a different order. -Tortorella

The Golden Knights are as openly confident as their coach going into Game 6. The only difference is that the players are choosing to vocalize a little softer.

Last couple of games, a little bit of self-inflicted. We know what we’ve got to do to beat this team, and it’s a matter of going home, winning one game, that’s all it is. And hopefully we’re back here for Game 7. We’ve done it the hard way all year -Brayden McNabb

Undoubtedly strategic, Tortorella took the pressure off the players and all onto himself with a Game 6 guarantee. It’s a crafty tactic by a veteran coach to remind his players that he wholeheartedly believes in them. Also, Tortorella let it be known that Vegas isn’t sweating a big game. Not even an elimination game.

I’m going to leave my clothes here, that’s for sure. They’ll be in the hotel. -Tortorella

Tortorella’s boldness is what’s gotten him here. So, it’s unsurprising that he expressed his confidence in his players. But a guarantee is only as strong as the outcome, so the Golden Knights need to back him up tomorrow night.