MORNING SKATE NOTES
- Head coach André Tourigny shared there are no lineup changes for today’s game against the Kraken.
Facing Seattle
It’ll be a fun Saturday matchup between these two Western Conference teams. Currently, the Mammoth are on a six-game points streak, while the Kraken are looking to snap a two-game skid. To generate offense against Seattle, you have to get inside. The Kraken have a stingy defense and are holding teams to the ninth-fewest goals in the NHL.
“Seattle is a team who clogs the middle (of the ice) a lot, it’s tough to get inside and have quality shots,” Tourigny explained. “For us, it’s all about that today. It’s about how we’re capable of getting inside. It’s not about how much we’ll possess the puck, but it’s having a quick attack.”
When it comes to defending Seattle, matching up strong against the Kraken’s blueline is key. As a group, Seattle’s defensemen have scored the eighth-most goals in the league (25).
“Defending their defensemen, on the rush and in the o-zone play,” Tourigny continued. “They generate a lot of offense from their (defensemen) so it’ll be important to have awareness.”
Stopping their Special Teams
Seattle’s power play is seventh in the NHL and has scored three times in the last two games. Tourigny discussed how the Mammoth are improving their details while shorthanded.
“Lately we (gave) up a few goals down low,” Tourigny explained. “So, we addressed it. I think it all starts with good faceoffs, good clear. We played good on the track, on our entries again. Our zone denials are pretty strong. So, the plan doesn’t change or us. We need to be aware of their strengths and make sure we keep progressing.”
