The Vegas Golden Knights are headed back to the Stanley Cup Final after stunningly sweeping the Colorado Avalanche in four games. What looked on paper like a heavyweight Western Conference clash quickly turned into a showcase of Vegas’ structure, discipline, and goaltending. John Tortorella has completely changed the identity of the Golden Knights since taking over late in the season, posting a remarkable 19-4-1 record behind the bench while guiding Vegas to six straight postseason wins.  

For Philadelphia Flyers fans, though, the run comes with an uncomfortable reminder.

Torts and former Flyers goaltender Carter Hart are right at the center of it all. Hart has been outstanding this postseason, carrying a .921 save percentage and a 2.30 goals-against average entering Game 4 while continuing to make big saves in key moments.  

That doesn’t automatically mean this same formula would have worked in Philadelphia. The Flyers are still rebuilding and Vegas possesses a far deeper, more experienced roster. Still, seeing two controversial former Flyers figures thriving on hockey’s biggest stage is undoubtedly going to sting for many Orange and Black faithful.