The Utah Mammoth secured a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Friday night at the Delta Center, marking their third straight win. Here are three takeaways from the game:

1. Nick Schmaltz's Dominance and Offensive Firepower

Nick Schmaltz was the undeniable star of the game, scoring twice and assisting on another goal. Schmaltz now has 43 points in 40 career games against St. Louis. His offensive contributions were crucial in propelling the Mammoth to victory. Schmaltz's first goal came late in the first period, threading the puck between two defenders. In the third period, he scored a power-play goal, providing a two-goal cushion for Utah. Coach André Tourigny praised Schmaltz's all-around performance, highlighting his defensive speed, face-off skills, and penalty killing efforts. Clayton Keller also had a strong offensive night, contributing three assists. Lawson Crouse and Sean Durzi also contributed goals for the Mammoth.

2. Vejmelka's Stellar Goaltending and Historic Achievement

Karel Vejmelka's performance in goal was a key factor in the Mammoth's win. He made 26 saves, thwarting the Blues' offensive efforts. Vejmelka became the first goalie in the NHL to reach 20 wins this season, also becoming the fastest Czech goalie since Dominik Hasek to achieve this milestone. His timely saves, especially during a critical penalty kill in the third period, were instrumental in preserving Utah's lead. Tourigny acknowledged Vejmelka's early saves as vital to the win.

3. Physical Play and Special Teams Success

The game was physical from the start, with Jack McBain dropping the gloves in the opening seconds to fight Alexey Toropchenko. McBain's quick victory set a tone for the Mammoth. The Mammoth's special teams played a significant role in the outcome. Utah successfully killed off all four of St. Louis' power-play opportunities. Schmaltz emphasized the importance of special teams, noting that winning this battle often leads to winning the game. The Mammoth capitalized on one of their three power-play chances.

The Utah Mammoth will host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday. The St. Louis Blues will play at Vegas on Saturday night.