MORNING SKATE NOTES
- Utah had an optional morning skate today after a full team practice on Thursday.
- Friday night is the first home playoff game in franchise history.
- Utah and Vegas each have won one game in the series so far.
First Home Playoff Game
Friday night is Utah’s first home playoff game in franchise history. Over the first two years of the organization’s time in Utah, the Mammoth have felt the support and love from the community. During home games at the Delta Center, the fans bring an energy that the team feeds off of through the highs and lows of games.
“It’s huge,” forward Dylan Guenther said following morning skate. “Especially when things aren’t going well. When we’re getting hemmed in, or maybe we’re taking penalties. I feel like the energy when things are going good, that’s always there, but when it’s not going good and we’re not playing as well and you need that little boost, I feel like that’s what the fans are a really good for.”
"We saw the past two years, a lot of great moments where the connection was really good...sometimes when we needed it, they give us the push,” head coach André Tourigny said. “I think so far it's great. We (are) a great team with our fans."
Defensive Details
These playoff games are incredibly close, and one play can be the difference between a win and loss. Executing a connected defensive effort will be key for the Mammoth against the Golden Knights.
“Owning the net front,” Guenther said of some areas the Mammoth are tuned into. “I think a lot of goals happen around that net front area. So, owning the net front and just pace and physicality. I feel like it’s hard to score when teams are coming at you quick, and they’re physical. (And when) all five (Mammoth skaters) are working together.”
Tourigny wants to see his team continue to execute their plan defensively and keep taking steps forward with it, especially with the threats that Vegas brings.
“Vegas, we talk about them a lot about what they can do, they like to possess the puck, how they create offense,” Tourigny shared. “For us, it’s to be even better in our plan. We have a plan on how to defend them on the rush, in zone, and stuff. We need to keep getting better and knowing full well they will make adjustments, but we’re ready for different options.”
