Mammoth Trample All Over The Leafs

The Utah Mammoth had a statement win on Tuesday night. Yes, the Toronto Maple Leafs were playing in the second half of a back-to-back. They arrived in Utah riding high after a hard-fought game against the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche on Monday. However, Tuesday’s game was a massive win for the Mammoth. They played hard and fast and found a way to beat one of the hottest teams as of late.

The Leafs came into Tuesday’s game riding a 10-game point streak, going 8-0-2 during that span. The Mammoth, on a point streak of their own (3-0-1), played one of their best games of the season. Here are some takeaways from Tuesday’s game.

Something the Mammoth have done well in most games lately is have a great start. Tuesday’s game featured one of the best first periods they have played all season, and they started early. From the opening faceoff, the Mammoth started attacking the Leafs’ goaltender, Dennis Hildeby, with shots. Only a few minutes into the game, and they had quite a few good shots. Utah’s quick start left the Leafs scrambling. The Mammoth were relentless, and the Leafs couldn’t get the Utah out of their zone.

At 03:22 of the first period, Utah capitalized on their early pressure and opportunities. After forcing Hildeby to make a big save on Jack McBain, the puck found its way back to the blueline and eventually to Nate Schmidt. He sent a pass across the zone to Michael Carcone, who one-timed the puck into the back of the net.

The Mammoth Were Relentless

Despite their early lead, the Mammoth kept pushing. By the end of the first period, the Mammoth were outshooting the Leafs 12-6. While the Leafs showed some life at the end of the period, it was obvious who had the better start. The second period was all Utah as they carried a 4-0 lead into the dressing room for the second intermission.

Utah used their speed to their advantage on Tuesday against a tired Leafs team. They crashed the net repeatedly and opened up the zone. Utah was focused and locked in all game long. A big reason why they eventually got to six goals. They never took their foot off the gas.