The Utah Mammoth secured their seventh consecutive victory by defeating the Dallas Stars 2-1 on March 7, 2024. This marked an impressive continuation of their winning streak, further solidifying their position in the NHL playoff race. The Mammoth had previously triumphed over the Toronto Maple Leafs, demonstrating resilience against two of the league’s top teams.
Head coach André Tourigny emphasized the importance of momentum, likening it to a snowball effect. “One lap doesn’t make a big snowball. It’s when you play another good game and another good game,” he remarked, highlighting how repeated strong performances build confidence.
The match against Dallas was tightly contested, particularly in the first two periods where both teams struggled to find the back of the net. That changed in the final moments of the second period. With just seven seconds remaining, Nick Schmaltz redirected a pass from John Marino past Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger, giving Utah a crucial 1-0 lead.
The third period saw a rapid shift in momentum. Just two minutes in, Mikko Rantanen scored on a power play, leveling the score at 1-1. Yet, Utah responded quickly. A mere two minutes later, Marino and Schmaltz connected again for a bizarre goal. Marino’s long-range shot deflected off Oettinger’s shoulder, soared high, and ultimately landed in the net, restoring the Mammoth’s lead.
From that point on, the Mammoth focused on defending their advantage. The Stars, who rank among the top teams in the NHL for scoring, posed a significant challenge. Despite a tense three-minute stretch where the puck remained in the Mammoth’s zone, they managed to hold off Dallas, securing their victory.
Despite their current success, the Mammoth are still vying for the first wild card spot in the NHL’s Western Conference. They will face the Seattle Kraken at the Delta Center on March 9, 2024, in another critical matchup.
Tourigny acknowledged the fine line between winning and losing. “It could have gone in the other direction. Two deflections and whoop, we’re down by one,” he noted. The Stars generated numerous scoring chances, but Karel Vejmelka, who earned the first star of the game, made key saves to maintain the lead. His impressive performance included a .963 goals-against average, demonstrating his crucial role in the team’s success.
Both Vejmelka and Oettinger have been selected to represent their respective countries at the upcoming Olympics. While they will not meet in the preliminary rounds, a potential clash in the knockout stages could see them face off again.
Vejmelka’s pursuit of a franchise first home shutout continues, but the Mammoth’s ability to limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities has improved significantly. Last season, they frequently struggled to defend leads, but their calm and composed play in high-pressure situations has been evident in recent matches.
Marino reflected on the team’s growth, stating, “I think everyone didn’t panic too much. No one was screaming, shouting. Everyone was pretty comfortable in the situation.” He credited the team’s commitment to blocking shots and back-checking for their success.
As a young and talented squad, the Mammoth are focused on developing players capable of performing in the playoffs. Tourigny noted that playing intense games against formidable opponents will prepare them for future challenges, whether this season or beyond.
The victory over the Stars was not merely another win; it was a testament to the Mammoth’s evolution as a team. The style of play exhibited during the game mirrored that of the postseason, positioning them to face future challenges with confidence and poise.