MORNING SKATE NOTES
- Head coach André Tourigny shared there are some game time decisions and there will be extra skaters on the ice for warmups.
- For the first time, the Mammoth can clinch a playoff berth tonight based on the outcome of two games.
Exciting Times
The Mammoth have an opportunity to clinch the organization’s first playoff berth tonight. If Utah beats Nashville in regulation and the Anaheim Ducks beat the San Jose Sharks in any fashion, the Mammoth are going to the postseason.
Tonight’s two points are incredibly valuable based off of Nashville’s position in the standings. Currently, the Mammoth have a four-point lead and a game in hand over the Predators, who sit in the second wild card spot. Although there’s plenty of buzz surrounding the team about tonight’s game, Utah is focused on what they can control.
“There’s a game tonight at 7:00 p.m. That’s the only thing that’s important,” Tourigny explained. “We know we have control of our situation. So, let’s focus on what we can control.”
“It's been great,” Logan Cooley said of the excitement. “This is a fun time of year, and everyone's pushing for the playoffs. The games are a lot more intense, physical, faster. These are the games that you get up for pretty easily."
Facing Nashville
This is the fourth and final game between Utah and Nashville this season, so the Mammoth know their opponent’s strengths. Tourigny discussed what they’re focused on following morning skate.
“It’s a team who’s played really well as of late,” Tourigny said. “They’re heavy, they’re really good (in) the offensive zone, really good around the net. Will be important to be good in our zone, in our box out. Their (defensemen) are super active as well, they can play a different brand of hockey in the o-zone and they’re one of the best forecheck teams in the league. So, that will be the thing we want to counter, and keep playing our game offensively with the direct and attack mindset.”
