MORNING SKATE NOTES
- Utah held a full morning skate on Tuesday.
- Defenseman John Marino joined the group in a regular practice jersey.
- Forward Barrett Hayton joined practice in a non-contact jersey for his first full team skate since late March.
Injury Updates
Head coach André Tourigny said that both Jack McBain and Barrett Hayton are week-to-week. Hayton did participate in the full morning skate on Tuesday.
Tourigny also shared that there will be game-time decisions when it comes to the lineup tonight.
Final Week of the Regular Season
It’s the final week of the regular season and Utah has the chance to determine their spot in the wild card race. The Mammoth are focused on finishing the regular season playing to their identity. Ending the season strong will give Utah confidence heading into the postseason.
To get back into the win column tonight, the Mammoth need a strong start.
“Just a lot of speed and intensity,” Associate captain Lawson Crouse. “I think you know we got away from that in our last game and obviously, when we're playing that way, that's our identity. So we need to get back to that right from the drop of the puck."
Tourigny also shared what other parts of the team identity that the Mammoth need to focus on.
“Quickness of our puck decisions,” Tourigny explained. "We are at our best when we move the puck fast, where we don't break stride because we're waiting for the puck. So, take the first option and not wait for another better option. I think that is where we get into trouble when we can’t exploit our speed because the puck’s moving fast, and the outlets are fast … our level of battle as well is really important. Our physicality in battles, and our grit in our battles will be important, and the way we go with the net. Those are the three things we want to focus on. It’s our traffic at the net, our inside game, the quickness of our puck movement, and the level of our battle.”
Facing the Jets
Tourigny also discussed some of the challenges that Winnipeg brings to tonight’s matchup.
“They’re a top-5 team in the league since the break,” Tourigny said. “They’re really stingy defensively, they really increased their level defensively in all regards. It’s always a challenge to create against that team. They (have) big guys, physical, and obviously their top players are elite, generating up front and on the back end. There’s a bunch of challenges.”
