NEWARK, N.J. — The Utah Mammoth made the most of their opportunities Tuesday night, turning New Jersey penalties into momentum and eventually pulling away from the Devils for a 5-3 victory at Prudential Center.
Nick Schmaltz continued his torrid start to the season, scoring his NHL-leading fifth goal, while Utah’s power play once again proved to be one of the most dangerous weapons in the league.
The Mammoth converted twice on four power-play chances, with Clayton Keller opening the scoring with the man advantage before Schmaltz delivered the go-ahead goal midway through the second period.
Utah has now scored on eight of its 13 power-play opportunities this season, an efficiency that has quickly become a defining part of its early-season success.
Karel Vejmelka turned aside 30 shots to help the Mammoth withstand several New Jersey pushes, while Jake Allen made 26 saves for the Devils.
The victory also gave Utah its first win over New Jersey since the franchise became the Mammoth. Utah had entered the night 0-4 against the Devils over the previous two seasons.
Utah Takes Advantage of Special Teams
The Devils managed to keep the game within reach, but Utah repeatedly found ways to capitalize when New Jersey was short-handed.
Keller’s first-period power-play goal gave the Mammoth an early advantage before the Devils answered.
Jesper Boqvist and Luke Evangelista helped New Jersey keep pace, with Evangelista scoring twice.
But Utah’s special teams continued to swing the game.
MacKenzie Weegar scored early in the second period with assists from Mikhail Sergachev and Clayton Keller, while Schmaltz later restored Utah’s lead at 3-2.
For Schmaltz, the goal continued an impressive beginning to the campaign. He also added two assists, including the secondary assist on Vincent Trocheck’s late goal that put Utah ahead 5-3 with 3:08 remaining.
Lawson Crouse also found the net for the Mammoth.
Sergachev Reaches Milestone Before Leaving Game
Mikhail Sergachev was at the center of Utah’s offensive attack before his night ended abruptly.
The veteran defenseman recorded three assists, reaching 300 career assists on his second helper of the evening.
Sergachev reached the milestone in his 634th NHL game at age 28.
His 300th assist came on Weegar’s goal early in the second period.
The performance also marked the seventh four-assist game of Sergachev’s career and his fourth such game in his last 32 contests.
But the celebration was short-lived.
Late in the second period, Sergachev took a puck to the back of his helmet and left the game. His status following the injury was not immediately clear.
Devils Battle Back but Can’t Finish
New Jersey continued to pressure Utah throughout the final period, but Vejmelka repeatedly shut the door.
Evangelista’s second goal gave the Devils another spark, but Utah responded by maintaining possession and eventually getting the insurance goal from Trocheck.
The Mammoth’s ability to protect the puck and limit New Jersey’s best scoring opportunities proved decisive during the final minutes.
The Devils also lost defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler to an injury early in the third period.
Despite the setbacks, New Jersey continued to push until the final horn.
Ultimately, Utah’s power play and timely scoring proved too much to overcome.
Mammoth Make History in Newark
The win was more than just another early-season victory for Utah.
It ended the Mammoth’s winless history against New Jersey and demonstrated how dangerous their special teams can be when given opportunities.
With Schmaltz continuing to score, Sergachev contributing from the blue line and Vejmelka providing stability in net, Utah left Newark with another strong road performance.
For New Jersey, the loss served as a reminder that defensive discipline will be critical as the season develops.
Up Next:
Utah Mammoth: Travel to Boston to face the Bruins on Thursday.
New Jersey Devils: Return home Saturday to host the Vancouver Canucks.
