Just days before the Mammoth got a dominant 5-2 win over the Wild, Logan Cooley was talking to the press in his first game back from injury.
The night ended with a 4-2 loss to Colorado, but he was still happy to be back playing on the ice saying it had been "no fun" watching from the stands injured. He was honest about his performance as well, admitting that he was rusty with his touches and his decision making.
But against the Wild, Cooley showed no rustiness despite playing in only second game since injury. He not only returned to form against the Wild, he also kicked off the scoring for the Mammoth with a shorthanded goal.
"It's elite. I think what makes [Cooley] special is he's not just fast, he's smart," said André Tourigny. "He can change direction, he can jump the hole, he can see the space, he can be elusive... That makes him special."
It was a fitting first goal back for Cooley as he made high effort plays every shift he was on the ice. He extended offensive zone possessions, won battles on the boards and most importantly, his touch was back to normal.
For the goal to also come shorthanded just after he was helping fend off the Minnesota Wild on the penalty kill made it all the more special.
That goal proved to be a perfect tone setter for this Mammoth as well.
Throughout the game, Utah maintained constant pressure on the Wild, entering the offensive zone with ease, even getting multiple shifts changes across possessions, as it tired out the Minnesota defense.
Even when the Wild seemed to be on the verge of clearing the puck from its zone, a Mammoth player would find a way to keep the puck in zone to maintain constant pressure.
Oftentimes, it would turn into points for the Mammoth, like when Clayton Keller scored right after Nick Schmaltz's impressive takeaway on Quinn Hughes.
"Surprised, seems like it doesn't matter what team we're playing and [Keller's] still picking up points," said line mate Lawson Crouse. "He's just a lot of fun to play with, and a lot of credit to Schmaltz too. They play so well together, reading off each other. It's just a lot of fun to play with them and a lot of fun to watch."
Even when the Mammoth's aggressive offensive turned into advantageous odd man rushes for the Wild, Karel Vejmelka was prepared, stopping multiple rushes and breakaways on way to his 21 save performance.
But more often than not, the pressure Utah had truly disrupted Minnesota from playing its game, leading to even plenty of shots and plenty of points for Utah Mammoth players, with Crouse's two goals and Keller's three points leading the team.
"We're obviously a really fast team and can make a lot of plays, but I think the biggest thing for us is sticking to our identity as much as we can," said Keller. "It's hard to do. I think we've gotten better as the years have gone on. The good teams are the most consistent. Even when you don't feel your best, you find a way. I think we're showing steps in the right direction."
With a 5-0-1 overall record against the Wild after its latest win, the Mammoth will look to close out its home stretch with a win against the Blackhawks.
That game will be Sunday, March 1 with puck dropping at 2 p.m MT.