The Utah Mammoth kicked off 2026 with a dominant 7-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday, January 1st, marking a strong start to the new year and the second half of their season. Here are three key takeaways from the game:

1. Dylan Guenther's Breakout Performance

Dylan Guenther stole the show with his first career hat trick and an assist, totaling four points. Guenther's scoring opened up the game for the Mammoth, with two goals in the second period and another in the final minutes. This performance brings his season total to 20 goals, making him the first Mammoth player to reach that mark. His linemates, Lawson Crouse and Barrett Hayton, played pivotal roles in his success, providing key assists. Guenther's linemates contributed to his success.

2. Mammoth's Offensive Explosion and Efficiency

The Mammoth's offense came alive, tying their season-high of seven goals. Besides Guenther's hat trick, Nick Schmaltz contributed two goals and an assist, while Clayton Keller and Mikhail Sergachev each added a goal and two assists. Despite being outshot early, the Mammoth capitalized on their opportunities, scoring seven goals on just 20 shots. Their power play also proved effective, converting on two of five opportunities. The team's ability to convert on the power play helped shift the game's momentum after the Islanders came out strong.

3. Goaltending and Defensive Turnaround

After a shaky start where the Islanders registered the first 10 shots of the game, Mammoth's goalie Karel Vejmelka, returning from a two-game absence, settled in and made 20 saves. The defense tightened up, limiting the Islanders' scoring opportunities after the first period. Lawson Crouse's strong play on the penalty kill was also a significant factor in shutting down the Islanders' offense. The Islanders' David Rittich, filling in for the injured Ilya Sorokin, allowed five goals on 14 shots before being replaced by Marcus Hogberg. Additionally, the Islanders lost Bo Horvat, their leading scorer, to an injury in the third period after a collision with Sean Durzi.