Watch Budding NHL Star Logan Cooley's Fiery, Flashy Playoffs As Nic Dowd Comes For Him
Regardless of whether you cheer for the Utah Mammoth or Vegas Golden Knights or not, Logan Cooley is a must-watch player during these playoffs.
The budding NHL star served notice in the Mammoth's first-ever playoff game that he will be a major factor in the series. Not only did he score the first playoff goal in Mammoth history, but he shoved Vegas center Nic Dowd off a faceoff and caused a skirmish late in the game.
After the game, Dowd appeared to tell Cooley he's coming for him in not-so-subtle terms. Dowd called it emotional hockey after Vegas' 4-2 win, but in Tuesday's Game 2 and beyond, it's clear this matchup will be a storyline going forward.
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Cooley amped up his physical game in Game 1, logging four hits against the Golden Knights after averaging one hit per game in the regular season. The Mammoth could've used more of that tenacity than they got from their other players, as Vegas outhit Utah 51-31.
Meanwhile, Cooley also led the Mammoth in shots on net in Game 1, with five. Considering Cooley averaged 1.89 shots during the regular season, his increased effectiveness did not go unnoticed.
The Mammoth will need more from the rest of their lineup, including star right winger Clayton Keller, who was held off the scoresheet completely in Game 1.
But if Utah can get additional electric, engaged performances out of Cooley, the Golden Knights may find they can't stop Cooley from getting under their skin – with or without additional nasty words from Dowd.
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 2:30 PM.