Despite a 4-1 loss, goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa was one bright spot against the Colorado Avalanche.
Cossa saved 11 of 12 shots on goal, with the only goal being on a 2-on-1 where he didn't really have a chance.
Cossa is likely to start game two as Mammoth hope to prepare him for the regular season
Cossa started game one and played the first two periods, leading to a 1-1 tie heading into the final period.
Michael Hrabal then came into the net for Utah, only to allow two goals and face just five shots. In other words, the prospect Hrabal just didn't look nearly as good as Cossa.
Since it is the first ever preseason game for Hrabal and the first NHL game, preseason or not, that isn't something to overreact to. But clearly Cossa is better prepared for the NHL then Hrabal.
Cossa, 23, was selected 15th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2023 NHL draft. Because the Red Wings didn't need a goalie, they didn't rush Cossa. This led to Cossa only ever playing one game in the NHL, where the Red Wings won in a 6-5 shootout.
The goalie is No. 2 heading into the regular season and remains a big wild card because no one really knows what to expect. Seeing Cossa perform well tonight and probably in the final preseason game for Utah which he will likely start will be huge.
It is still unknown if the Mammoth are aggressively pursuing Connor Hellebuyck. Sooner or later, Winnipeg must resolve the situation. If Utah wanted to trade for Hellebuyck, then that would be the only way Cossa doesn't see significant playing time in 2026-27.
For now, though, Cossa has big shoes to fill. If he can stay effective, that's great for the Mammoth.
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