The Utah Mammoth need to wake up. The playoffs begin soon

Utah Mammoth's Michael Carcone, left, is checked by Calgary Flames' Zach Whitecloud during first period NHL hockey action in Calgary, Alberta, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press via AP) | Jeff McIntosh Sometimes teams win so many games they never have to worry about their playoff positioning. Other times, they lose just enough to stay humble.

Both teams are capable of winning. This year’s Colorado Avalanche are a good example of the former. They officially clinched the Presidents’ Trophy with four games remaining in the season, but they were so dominant throughout the entire season that it was never really a question.

For the best example of the latter, we look back at the 1993 Montreal Canadiens. Solid play in January and February secured the Habs a playoff spot, but with just one regulation win in their final 11 games, they were bleeding by the time the playoffs arrived. But that bit of losing humbled them.

It forced them to play the right way — and that’s especially important in the playoffs, where opponents will take advantage of every mistake. The Canadiens went on to win the Stanley Cup that year. With consecutive 4-1 losses after clinching a playoff berth last Thursday night — first to the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday and most recently to the Calgary Flames on Sunday — frustration is beginning to show through for Utah Mammoth.