Although the score might not fully reflect it, goaltender Sebastian Cossa had another strong performance for the Mammoth. Cossa stayed calm in tight moments and came up with timely saves, like he did against the Colorado Avalanche in Utah’s first preseason game.
“Was really, really, really good,” Tourigny said on Cossa. “We were under siege a few times and he came up big. The way I can describe it, he was calm out there. I like his presence; he gave us confidence. I was happy about his game.”
Two additional players who stood out were Kevin Stenlund and Liam O’Brien. Stenlund had three assists tonight, including two primary assists, while O’Brien scored in his second straight game.
“Solid night (for Stenlund), another good game by (O’Brien) as well,” Tourigny shared. “(Stenlund) was good on the dots, was good obviously offensively, made good plays. So, I’m happy for him.”
Following the game, both teams participated in a shootout for more practice ahead of the regular season. Sebastian Cossa went 3-for-3, stopping Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, and Shea Theodore. Tij Iginla scored in the first round to give Utah the shootout advantage.
Throughout this training camp, and in tonight’s game, Utah’s prospects and rookies have contributed solid performances. Over the next few days, Utah’s management group and coaching staff will discuss individual performances and debate who should make the opening night roster. There is a ticking clock as each NHL team must submit their opening night roster by 3 p.m. MT on Monday Sept. 28.
“That will be really tough,” Tourigny said on making roster cuts and decisions. “But that’s part of what was the job of the players, to make it really tough on us. We have a tough, tough decision tonight and we’ll have a few more to make after our fourth (preseason) game.”
Final Stats from Tonight
Score: 5-4 OT VGK
Shots: VGK 35, UTA 21
Power Play: UTA 1/2, VGK 1/4
Hits: UTA 19, VGK 17
Blocked Shots: UTA 21, VGK 5
Face-Off %: VGK 51.6%, UTA 48.4%
Upcoming Preseason Schedule
