Utah Mammoth Face Playoff Debut Against Veteran Golden Knights

Young Mammoth squad with mix of playoff experience takes on loaded Vegas team in Western Conference First Round

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of an NHL playoff hockey game, with the players and arena environment broken down into overlapping angular shapes and planes in vibrant colors.The Utah Mammoth's first-ever NHL playoff appearance promises an intense, high-speed clash with the veteran Vegas Golden Knights.Las Vegas Today

The Utah Mammoth are set to make their Stanley Cup Playoff debut against the experienced Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series on Sunday. While many Mammoth players are new to the NHL postseason, the team has a mix of veterans who have won the Stanley Cup. Vegas is considering loading up its top line with Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, while the Mammoth will look to use their speed and youth to their advantage.

Why it matters

This series marks the first-ever playoff appearance for the Mammoth franchise, which was approved by the NHL just two years ago. The young Mammoth squad will face a major test against the veteran Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. How the Mammoth handle the playoff atmosphere and Vegas' star power will be key to their chances of pulling off the upset.

The details

The Mammoth are 'calm,' 'even-keeled' and 'focused' heading into their playoff debut, according to coach Andre Tourigny. While many of their players have little to no NHL playoff experience, the team does have several veterans who have won the Stanley Cup, including Ian Cole, Nate Schmidt, Mikhail Sergachev, Kevin Stenlund and Vitek Vanecek. The Mammoth have had success against the Golden Knights in the regular season, going 3-2-1 including 2-0-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas coach John Tortorella is considering loading up his top line with Marner, Eichel and Stone, though he's unsure if it will work. The Mammoth want to use their speed and youth to their advantage, with defenseman MacKenzie Weegar saying their 'confidence is through the roof' when they play their fast-paced style.

  • The Mammoth and Golden Knights will play Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Andre Tourigny

Head coach of the Utah Mammoth.

Nate Schmidt

Veteran defenseman for the Utah Mammoth who has won the Stanley Cup and played in the Golden Knights' first-ever playoff game.

John Tortorella

Head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.

Mark Stone

Forward for the Vegas Golden Knights.

MacKenzie Weegar

Veteran defenseman for the Utah Mammoth acquired from the Calgary Flames on March 4.

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What they’re saying

“We see it in our meetings and the way they carry themselves, the way they talk. … Their preparation is really good so far, so no doubt we'll be ready now. Let's go execute.”

— Andre Tourigny, Head coach, Utah Mammoth

“A lot of times, the guys are going to look around, and the bench is just going to be rumbling. The music's going to be playing -- you know, warmups, all the stuff that they got going on. It's a show. They do a great job.”

— Nate Schmidt, Veteran defenseman, Utah Mammoth

“I'm not sure if it works. I'm not sure if I stay with it. … I'd like to see it work. … We've been practicing with them the past couple days. Do we start with them (in Game 1)? I don't know.”

— John Tortorella, Head coach, Vegas Golden Knights

“It takes a little bit of stress off each other. But as you see, it's probably going to change at some point, right? That's just the way 'Torts' coaches. He tries to get a little spark.”

— Mark Stone

“Our speed, I feel, is unmatched within this league. Our youth is high class. It's elite. So, I'm looking forward to getting the puck to those young kids and seeing what they can do.”

— MacKenzie Weegar, Veteran defenseman, Utah Mammoth

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.