MORNING SKATE NOTES
The Mammoth held an optional morning skate. Kailer Yamamoto, Nick DeSimone, Olli Määttä, and Liam O’Brien were the skaters who participated.
Head coach André Tourigny confirmed no lineup changes.
Tonight’s game is Utah’s 100th in franchise history. Among all NHL franchise through their first 100 games, Utah ranks sixth in wins (48) and fourth in points (109) (per Mammoth PR).
Replicating The Third
Wednesday’s third period against the Buffalo Sabres was one of the Mammoth’s best periods this season. Utah wants to bring that same effort and execution tonight against New York.
“I think everything,” Yamamoto explained. “I think that was one of our best periods we played all year. The fact that we got the puck in deep, (got) to the net, (generated) offense, and not give them that much offense. It was really good.”
The Mammoth need to bring a consistent mentality to their game no matter who they play.
“It’s having the same mentality, it’s having the same team game, same game plan regardless of who we play,” Ian Cole explained. “We’re going to face more of a challenge, and I think the challenge for us is going to be trying to continue with that same mindset, that consistency, stick with that, and then have trust in a skill and have trust in our players that we’ll get the job done.”
Making it Difficult
By bringing a detailed defensive effort with pressure in the neutral zone, the Mammoth can push back against the Islanders who are one of the best teams at entering the offensive zone with possession, and are strong with breakouts.
“The (Islanders) dump the puck the least in the NHL,” Tourigny explained. “They like to enter in control, they like to make plays on the entry, and at the same time, it’s rare you see a team who has that philosophy on the rush, and not turn the puck over. I think they’re fourth (fewest) in the league for turnovers on entries and first for entries with possession … that’ll be something we’ll focus on.”