The Utah Mammoth concluded their preseason with a 6-4 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday at the Delta Center, maintaining their undefeated record at home. The game, characterized by momentum shifts and lead changes, provided valuable insights as the team prepares for their season opener in Denver.

Dominant Starts and Finishes

The Mammoth displayed dominance in the first and third periods, scoring all six of their goals during these frames. In the first period, after Adam Gaudette scored the opening goal for the Sharks, Mikhail Sergachev ignited the Mammoth's offense with a powerful shot from the blue line. This was followed by four more goals in quick succession, showcasing the team's offensive capabilities. Kailer Yamamoto and Andrew Agozzino, both vying for a spot in the opening night lineup, contributed to the scoring surge. Sergachev played a key role in the first period, registering a point on three of the four goals. After a shaky second period, the Mammoth regained their composure in the third. Clayton Keller scored from the faceoff circle, capitalizing on a screen by Jack McBain, and Brandon Tanev extended the lead, securing the win for Utah.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the win, coach André Tourigny expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance in the second period. San Jose scored three unanswered goals to tie the game, exposing vulnerabilities in Utah's defense. Tourigny noted that the team's speed and aggression, key components of their game, were lacking in the second period. Addressing these lapses will be crucial as the Mammoth transition into the regular season. Forward Brandon Tanev echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and understanding among the players.

Key Players Stepping Up

Mikhail Sergachev had a standout performance, contributing three points to the Mammoth's victory. Clayton Keller also made a significant impact with a goal and an assist. Brandon Tanev showcased his speed and skill with a remarkable coast-to-coast goal in the third period. Tanev, known as "Turbo" for his speed, capitalized on a faceoff win, skated the length of the ice, and beat the Sharks' defense. Overall, ten different Mammoth players made it onto the scoresheet, with half of them recording multiple points, highlighting the team's depth and offensive capabilities. The team's willingness to sacrifice and block shots, exemplified by Dylan Guenther and Nate Schmidt, further demonstrated their commitment to securing the win.