MORNING SKATE NOTES
- Head coach André Tourigny said no changes to the lineup.
- Tonight is Tourigny’s 400th NHL game as a head coach.
400 for Bear
Tourigny will achieve a significant milestone when he steps behind the bench tonight as he'll coach his 400th NHL game. Tourigny first started as head coach of the Arizona Coyotes during the 2021-22 campaign, and this is his fifth season in this role.
Over the years, Tourigny has coached a core group of players including Captain Clayton Keller, associate captain Lawson Crouse, Nick Schmaltz, and others. He discussed what it’s been like working with those players over the last few years.
“You look at (Clayton Keller) and those guys, they were the age of (Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenter) when we started together,” Tourigny reflected. “Thinking now they’re at that stage and they’re leaders and captain, assistant captain. (Karel Vejmelka) was just coming over, was his first stop in North America … to see those guys become mature, competitive in key moments and so driven to be successful with that franchise, it’s pretty cool to witness.”
Crouse discussed the milestone for Utah’s bench boss following morning skate.
“Been with Bear for a long time,” Crouse shared. “Been through a lot of ups and downs with him. Obviously very proud of him. He’s a very detailed coach, expects a lot out of his players, and obviously took our defensive game to a whole new level and that’s a big reason why we’re so successful as a team right now. A lot of credit to him and just really happy for him.”
Utah’s associate captain also shared how Tourigny has impacted his career and given him a chance to not only play, but grow.
“He gave me an opportunity to play five years ago, or whatever it was now, and just put me in situations (that) ended up giving me a lot of confidence as a player and as a person,” Crouse reflected. “So, I have a lot to thank him for.”
Been a Minute
The Mammoth and the Oilers haven’t played each other since Oct. 28, and both teams have changed since then. When it comes to Utah, the team has improved its maturity and details.
“Just the maturity in our game,” Crouse said. “Our willingness to do whatever it takes coming down the stretch. So, it’ll be an exciting game tonight, we’re all looking forward to it.”
“We’re much stingier defensively,” Tourigny said. “We’re more physical. I think we’re more connected as a team”
Being connected and stingy will be key against the Oilers who have one of the best players in the NHL, Captain Connor McDavid. He’s only one of the threats the Mammoth face and Tourigny explained more on the Oilers after morning skate.
“Edmonton is really, really good offensively,” Tourigny said. “Their numbers are elite on the cycling, elite on the rush, really good on the forecheck. So, everything you do offensively is really, it’s a trap, so we’ll need to be really stingy defensively.”
