The Vegas Golden Knights have had several days without a game, with their next matchup scheduled for Wednesday in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.
Head coach John Tortorella noted that this pause in competition is important not only for physical recovery but also for mental freshness after a demanding playoff stretch.
He emphasized that the postseason schedule creates an emotional strain, describing the playoffs as a long and difficult grind that affects players mentally as much as physically.
According to him, giving the group time away from constant on-ice work helps restore energy levels before another intense series begins.
Training approach centered on video work
Tortorella also said he believes structured practice sessions at this stage of the postseason are less important than reviewing video and preparing tactically.
He explained that most of the necessary adjustments can be addressed through analysis sessions rather than heavy on-ice workloads.
The focus, in his view, is on refining ideas about how the team should play rather than physically pushing players through repeated drills.
This approach is intended to keep the group mentally sharp while avoiding unnecessary fatigue before facing Colorado.
Player views on rest and preparation
Forward Mitch Marner said the break is useful when players manage it according to their own needs, balancing recovery with maintaining rhythm on the ice.
He noted that some light skating helps preserve enjoyment and energy while also keeping the atmosphere relaxed before competition resumes.
Defenseman Shea Theodore, who has logged the most ice time for Vegas in the playoffs, said the time between games has been beneficial for recovery.
He added that reviewing footage of the upcoming opponent and preparing mentally for Colorado has been a key part of the downtime.
Playoff momentum and opponent challenge
Vegas enters the series after a heavy playoff schedule, having played 12 games across 26 days since the start of the postseason on April 19.
Their path included a first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, where they recovered from an early deficit in games before closing out the matchup in six games.
In the following round against the Minnesota Wild, the series was level after four games, but Vegas finished strongly with consecutive wins to advance.
Tortorella believes the team has grown stronger as each round progresses, pointing to their ability to respond to setbacks and build momentum within series.
Final preparation and altitude factor
Colorado arrives in strong form after a dominant regular season and a playoff run that has included only one loss across the first two rounds.
They swept the Los Angeles Kings and then eliminated the Minnesota Wild in five games to reach the conference final.
Tortorella acknowledged the quality of the Avalanche but avoided detailed discussion of their opponent, stressing respect for their consistency throughout the season.
He also dismissed concerns about playing in Denver’s high altitude, saying the team is aware of it but should not overthink the conditions.
Both teams will enter Game 1 with comparable rest, as Colorado has also had additional time off before the series begins.
Tortorella summarized the matchup as two in-form teams preparing to compete at their highest level when the puck drops.