The Utah Mammoth faced a tough return to action post-Olympic break, falling 4-2 to the Colorado Avalanche. Despite the setback, they’re still clinging to the top Western Conference Wild Card spot as March looms.
It’s a promising position for the Mammoth, especially considering the coaching drama earlier in the season. Rumors swirled about a potential switch from Andre Tourigny to Pete DeBoer, but that’s all in the past now as the Mammoth focus on securing their playoff berth.
The Mammoth burst out of the gates this season, racking up seven straight wins in October. However, they hit a rough patch, sitting at 18-19-3 as 2026 began.
But since the New Year, it’s been a different story. The team has found its rhythm, posting a 12-5-1 record, showcasing their resilience and growth.
Tourigny, who’s been at the helm since the franchise’s Arizona Coyotes days, inherited a struggling squad from Rick Tocchet back in the 2021-22 season. While he’s yet to lead the team to the playoffs, his tenure in Utah has been marked by patience and development, crucial during the franchise’s transition and rebuild.
On the other hand, Pete DeBoer, with his impressive resume, including three consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances with the Dallas Stars, was in the mix. Though his decision to pull Jake Oettinger in last year’s playoffs didn’t sit well with Dallas, leading to his departure, his 662 regular-season wins and two Stanley Cup Final appearances speak volumes.
For the Mammoth, the focus now is on capitalizing on the progress made under Tourigny’s guidance. His ability to nurture the team’s top talent has been instrumental in their playoff push, and as they look ahead, maintaining this momentum will be key.