Sometimes, you just need one response to handle a host of questions. That goes for whenever you're down 2-1 in a series or just need someone to shut up. It's especially convenient for the latter when you have someone bugging you.
But for John Tortorella, the Vegas Golden Knights head coach desperately needed that for Monday. He only had four words to describe the team's mentality heading into Game 4 against the Utah Mammoth. You can bet that the media got rather sick of those four words rather quickly.
Tortorella answered about 5 questions prior to morning skate. The answer to at least 4 of them was "We're ready to play."
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) April 27, 2026
So... I think they believe they are ready to play. #ReadyToPlay
In a do-or-die situation, it seems like the most unorthodox answer to give. You want the urgency to be cranked up to a thousand and you want your players to play as such. Therefore, saying that you're ready to play could backfire on you rather quickly.
But that could turn into one of the biggest moments for the Golden Knights this season. Vegas has done a terrific job of responding its new head coach. They finished their last eight games with a record of 7-0-1, winning the Pacific Division along the way. If there's a group that can cash in on those four words, it's this group under Tortorella.
The Vegas Golden Knights must tap into their swagger on Monday against the Utah Mammoth
Being ready to play requires many things. First, you must actually practice to prepare yourself for the big game. What good does it do if you don't come prepared with a little practice? You'd fall flat on your face and nobody wants to see that.
But you also must know what you're doing in the first place. If you're not ready to commit to the craft, you'll make countless errors that leads to the other team winning. That can't happen for the Golden Knights, who are looking to avoid a 3-1 deficit.
That means numerous units must come into the fold on Monday. We're talking about the power play stepping up and not posting a 0-for-4 night. That means no more passing and waiting for the right opportunity to shoot. Just go for that ol' deflection and make the magic happen.
We're also talking about Carter Hart rebounding in Game 4. He must track pucks better at eye level and ensure that nothing gets past him. Allowing four goals on 12 shots will not get the job done in any capacity.
Regardless, those four words better come into play for the Golden Knights. Tortorella is banking on his boys to come through and pull magic from a hat in Game 4. If the Golden Knights aren't ready? Well, you won't be ready for the hockey world's response to your loss.