The Utah Mammoth are set to face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden tonight, January 5, at 7:00 PM EST. Despite the allure of playing in what many consider the "most famous arena in the world," the team is focused on securing crucial points in a tight Western Conference race.
The Mammoth enter the game with a record of 19 wins, 20 losses, and 3 overtime losses. They are averaging 3.02 goals per game while allowing 2.90. In their last 10 games, they have a .500 record, scoring an average of 3.1 goals from 28.8 shots, with a power play efficiency of 18.9%. However, their penalty killing efficiency stands at 81.1%. The team is coming off a 4-1 loss against the New Jersey Devils, a game where they struggled to find offensive consistency. Michael Carcone scored the lone goal for the Mammoth in that game, which saw them register 31 shots on goal.
The New York Rangers, on the other hand, are 20-18-5 and are looking to build on their impressive 5-1 Winter Classic win over the Florida Panthers. The Rangers are averaging 2.60 goals per game and allowing 2.72. They are seeking more consistency at home, as they have the worst home record in the Eastern Conference at 5-10-3.
Coach Mike Sullivan of the Rangers is one win away from his 500th career win. Mika Zibanejad, who had a hat trick and two assists in the Winter Classic, leads the Rangers' offense. Goalie Igor Shesterkin is also coming off a strong performance, saving 36 of 37 shots against the Panthers.
For the Utah Mammoth, Dylan Guenther leads in points over the last 10 games with 11, while Nick Schmaltz has 10. Goalie Karel Vejmelka has a 2.73 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage.
A key to the game will be special teams performance, as the Rangers' power play has been improving, while the Mammoth need to avoid penalties. The game presents an opportunity for the Rangers to improve their home record, while the Mammoth are aiming to start a winning streak. According to scoresandstats.com, the Mammoth are trying to play with pace and find quick offense, while New York wants to control the middle, draw penalties, and let the power play do damage.
Veteran Ian Cole acknowledged the excitement of playing at Madison Square Garden but emphasized the need to focus on the game. "It is a very famous arena," Cole said. "We're here in New York, and, big city, it is what it is. Ultimately, the game's still the same. We need to concentrate on how we play. We need to figure out how to play our best game and do it more consistently".
