The Mammoth won two of the three games against the Golden Knights this season, including a 5-1 win that saw Cooley score four goals in the game.
“I think we have a lot of confidence in this group,” Cooley said. “We’ve had success all year against top end teams, and we’re in the playoffs for a reason. I think when we’re at our best, we’re playing with a lot of speed, a lot of pace, physical, closing, giving them limited time and space. And when we’re doing those things we’re a tough team to beat. And I expect a lot of that out of us in this series.”
Utah won five of its final six road games of the regular season, including a 4-0 win in Vegas on March 19.
“I think the guys are super focused,” coach Andre Tourigny said. “We see it in our meetings and the way they carry themselves, the way they talk. … They’re tuned in, the answers are quick, they’re into it. So they know what’s going on. Their preparation is really good so far. So, no doubt we’ll be ready now. Let’s go execute.”
Guenther may lack playoff experience, but said he knows what to expect when the series begins.
“It’s important to not just be overwhelmed by the moment,” Guenther said. “We deserve to be here, and we’ve earned that. We’ve obviously been through a little bit more adversity, just not making it in a while, but I think that we earned the spot, and it’s just exciting to go out there and try to show it.”