Nick Schmaltz scored a goal and added two assists on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, to extend his season-opening goal streak to four games and lead the Utah Mammoth to a 5-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center. The win marked the first time the Mammoth have defeated New Jersey since the team joined the NHL during the 2024-25 season.
Schmaltz Leads Early Season Surge
Schmaltz, who currently leads the NHL with five goals this season, has recorded seven total points so far in the season. Following the win, Schmaltz credited the team's power play for his recent success. He noted that the team's ability to keep pucks in the offensive zone and wear opponents down has allowed them to find scoring opportunities.
Utah's power play was effective during the contest, converting 2-for-4 on the night. The team has been 8-for-13 on the power play throughout the season. Schmaltz, who signed an eight-year, $64 million contract extension with the Mammoth in March of last year, said he focuses on finding open areas on the ice similar to how the league's best players position themselves.
Mammoth Offense Overpowers Devils
The Mammoth's victory was bolstered by a strong performance from Clayton Keller, who recorded both a goal and an assist. Keller's goal came early in the first period at 1:57 via a power-play one-timer from the right circle. Mikhail Sergachev contributed three assists to the win, while goaltender Karel Vejmelka made 30 saves in his second consecutive start for Utah, bringing the team's record to 3-1-0.
Lawson Crouse added a goal at 19:03 of the second period to extend the Mammoth lead to 4-2, and Vincent Trocheck secured the 5-3 win with a goal at 16:52 of the third period. Trocheck's goal was his first with Utah following his trade from the New York Rangers on July 1. The victory also marks the longest goal streak in Mammoth history.
Devils Struggle with Fundamentals
The New Jersey Devils saw two goals from Luke Evangelista, who scored on a 5-on-3 power play at 12:23 of the first period and again at 6:31 of the second period. Evangelista, who was traded to the Devils from the Nashville Predators on Sept. 1, noted that while it was disappointing not to secure a win, he aimed to contribute to the team's efforts.
Jesper Boqvist pulled the Devils within one goal during the third period with a backhand goal at 9:49. Despite the effort, New Jersey's Jake Allen made 26 saves in the loss, and the team has now suffered two consecutive defeats. Devils coach Sheldon Keefe attributed the loss to fundamental errors, stating the team struggled with puck control and failed to maintain structure when exiting their own zone.
Injuries Impact Both Rosters
The game was marked by two injuries to key players. Mikhail Sergachev left the game with 29 seconds remaining in the second period after taking a puck to his left ear during a clearing attempt by MacKenzie Weegar. Coach Andre Tourigny provided no update on Sergachev's status following the incident. Additionally, Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler left the game in the third period after sustaining a lower-body injury following a fall at 3:50.
Team Chemistry and Next Steps
Mammoth head coach Andre Tourigny praised Schmaltz's versatility and intelligence, noting that the player's ability to play with a left-hand stick does not diminish his value to the team. Tourigny highlighted Schmaltz's ability to carry the puck and his offensive and defensive contributions as essential to the team's success.
Teammate Lawson Crouse also lauded Schmaltz, describing him as a composed and intelligent player with high hockey IQ. The Mammoth's upcoming schedule includes a road trip, with their next game scheduled against the Boston Bruins on Thursday at 5 p.m.
Season Momentum
The Utah Mammoth's recent performance highlights a highly successful start to the 2026-27 season, driven by a potent power play and standout individual performances. The team continues its road trip as they seek to build on their early-season momentum.
