Sutter - the Jack Adams frontrunner - deserves a ton of credit for getting the Flames to this point and instilling that mindset. Yes, career years from Tkachuk, Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm and countless others helped pave to the way to a division title for the second time in three years but helping the players maximize their skill-set was, indeed, a crucial part of his endeavour.
But Sutter himself would happily tell you, it goes well beyond points and personal milestones. It's about building and then relying on that aforementioned "foundation."
It's why, when the Flames trailed this opening-round series 2-1 - and fell behind 2-0 in Friday's would-be clincher - there was no panic in the dressing room.
"He's as excited as we are," Toffoli said of his coach. "He's one of the more intense humans I've ever met, so he was ready to go this morning and he's going to have us ready to go."
Tonight, they'll have to lean on their schooling. They have to elevate and show that killer instinct that championship teams need.
Because the only crash course for a Game 7 is when the bullets fly for real.
"You get to Game 7 because you've done a lot of good things. And get you get to Game 7 because there's stuff you have to improve on," Sutter explained.
"I think (the players) are excited. They played all year and have done such a great job all year to get this opportunity."