Quick Read
- Utah Mammoth defeated the Seattle Kraken 5-3, ending a three-game losing streak.
- Dylan Guenther scored the tiebreaking power-play goal in the third period.
- Nick Schmaltz contributed a goal and two assists; Karel Vejmelka made 32 saves.
- Seattle’s penalty kill woes and injury issues continued, with seven losses in their last eight games.
- Lineup changes for both teams reflected ongoing injuries and tactical adaptations.
Mammoth’s Third-Period Rally Overcomes Kraken
The Utah Mammoth delivered a thrilling performance on home ice, defeating the Seattle Kraken 5-3 in Salt Lake City and snapping a three-game losing streak. The story of the night wasn’t just about the final score—it was about the resilience, tactical tweaks, and individual brilliance that turned a tense matchup into a statement victory.
Decisive Goals and Tactical Gambles
With the game knotted at 2-2 midway through the third period, the Mammoth capitalized on a Seattle penalty—one that would haunt the visitors. Defenseman Ryan Lindgren was sent to the box for tripping, exposing Seattle’s league-worst penalty kill. Utah seized the moment. Mikhail Sergachev’s steady control at the blue line set up Nick Schmaltz, whose cross-ice feed found Dylan Guenther at the left faceoff dot. Guenther, who once played junior hockey in Seattle, fired a one-timer past Philipp Grubauer to break the deadlock at 12:55.
It was Guenther’s 14th goal of the season, tying him for the team lead. More impressively, it marked his fourth goal in just three games—a streak that’s turned him into one of Utah’s key scoring threats.
As the clock wound down, the Mammoth pressed their advantage. JJ Peterka and Lawson Crouse each netted empty-goal markers in the final minutes, putting the game out of reach before Ben Meyers managed a late consolation for the Kraken. The Mammoth’s ability to close out the game reflected a team not only hungry for a win but determined to break free from its recent frustrations.
Key Players Shine on Both Sides
Utah’s Nick Schmaltz was everywhere—scoring once, assisting twice, and providing the kind of two-way play that anchors a team’s confidence. Kailer Yamamoto added another layer of intrigue, scoring against his former club. His goal came off a broken play, tracking down a wide shot and spinning a quick finish past Grubauer. Initially waved off for goalie interference, a challenge and video review reversed the call, confirming Yamamoto’s effort.
Goaltender Karel Vejmelka stood tall for the Mammoth, turning aside 32 shots and keeping Utah in contention during pivotal moments. On the other side, Mason Marchment was Seattle’s standout, scoring twice and keeping the visitors in the hunt until Utah’s late surge.
Lineup Shuffles and Injury Impact
Both teams came into the night juggling injuries and last-minute lineup decisions. The Kraken, dealing with a spate of lower and upper body injuries (Jared McCann, Matt Murray, Jaden Schwartz, Berkly Catton), relied on a reconfigured forward group. Coach Lane Lambert hinted at flexibility, possibly running seven defensemen and eleven forwards, a testament to the team’s current unpredictability (NHL.com).
Utah had its own changes. Olli Maatta returned after missing twelve games, and Kailer Yamamoto replaced Brandon Tanev. The Mammoth also recalled Kevin Rooney from the AHL, shuffling depth in search of a winning formula. These lineup changes reflected the season’s grind, where injuries and fatigue force teams to adapt, sometimes on the fly.
Turning Points and Missed Opportunities
Seattle struck first, with Chandler Stephenson springing Freddy Gaudreau and Marchment for a breakaway, finished with a slick backhander. But the Mammoth’s response was immediate—Schmaltz stole the puck from Marchment and raced end-to-end for a highlight-reel goal. The sequence set the tone for a game of momentum swings.
Yamamoto’s goal, validated by video review, nudged Utah ahead. Yet Seattle refused to fade, tying it up with a Marchment one-timer after Utah killed off a dangerous 5-on-3. Still, the Kraken’s penalty woes resurfaced at the worst moment, and the Mammoth’s power play delivered the decisive blow.
What the Win Means for Utah—and the Road Ahead for Seattle
For the Mammoth, the win halts a worrying losing streak and could signal a turning point heading into the mid-season grind. Guenther’s scoring surge, Schmaltz’s leadership, and Vejmelka’s reliability give Utah much-needed momentum. It’s the kind of victory that can galvanize a locker room—reminding players and fans alike that resilience pays off.
For Seattle, the result is another setback in a tough stretch: seven losses in eight games (1-6-1). Their penalty kill remains a glaring weakness, and injuries are testing the depth of their roster. Coach Lambert’s willingness to experiment with line combinations is a sign that answers aren’t easily found, and the road ahead will require grit and creativity.
Neither team is short on talent. But as the season deepens, the difference often comes down to which squad can adapt and execute under pressure. Friday night, Utah showed it had the edge—at least for now.
Utah’s victory wasn’t just a statistical correction; it was a lesson in seizing opportunities and responding to adversity. Seattle’s struggles are emblematic of a team searching for identity and stability amid a rash of injuries and missed chances. As the season progresses, both teams face critical junctures—Utah with a chance to build on renewed confidence, and Seattle with the urgent need to regroup before the standings slip further away.