SALT LAKE CITY – Another preseason game, another loss for the Utah Mammoth as they were simply dismantled by the Anaheim Ducks on the road.
However, looking past the one-sided score, there were still several positives to pull from this matchup as Utah inched one step closer towards the regular season.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s 6-1 loss in Anaheim.
Tij Iginla’s offense continues to look more and more NHL ready
This is something that I’ve harped on throughout the early stages of Utah’s camp, but Tij Iginla’s offense is quickly becoming difficult to overlook.
While Iginla has yet to register a point through two preseason appearances, he has still been assertive, confident and generated a handful of dangerous chances.
Aside from his blistering shot that jumps off the page, Iginla also possesses elite hands, vision and agile feet which help him to dangerously navigate the offensive zone.
Iginla’s game winning shot from the first session.
His offensive game is already so dangerous. https://t.co/9nGLNoHHqH
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 18, 2025
So, how do his feet specifically make him so dangerous?
As he’s demonstrated in practice and both games during training camp, Iginla’s agility and balanced stride allow him to quickly change directions, deceive defenseman and survey the zone.
Against Anaheim, he utilized each of those skills as he flew up the left side on a zone entry, drew two defensemen and then dropped a no look pass behind his back to Dylan Guenther who fired one on net.
Absolutely filthy.
Iginla’s feet impress me the most here.
Watch his stride and how he positions his body to attack. That’s ridiculous. https://t.co/YTjxydSTjJ
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 23, 2025
I’m convinced that Iginla’s offense is NHL ready.
He’s so quick, deceptive, creative and confident on the puck.
Dangerous every time he’s got possession in the offensive zone.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 23, 2025
Sure, he has yet to light the lamp or even register a point so far, but he’s playing at an NHL level on the offensive side of the puck.
Oh man, If Stenlund doesn’t fan on that puck in front, Iginla probably picks up his first assist of the preseason from behind the net.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 23, 2025
What does that mean?
He’s close.
However, what I believe will keep him from making the final cut this season is his strength and impact in the defensive zone.
As of right now, he just doesn’t look quite strong enough as he’s been bumped off the puck consistently throughout the preseason.
Additionally, he needs to become more effective in his own zone with an active stick and sound positioning.
But overall, Iginla is pushing incredibly hard during camp with his brilliance on the puck.
Clearly, his offense is there and with a bit more development, he should make the roster in the not-too-distant future.
Dylan Guenther kept his promise as he scored a greaser goal for the Utah Mammoth
One of the very first things Dylan Guenther mentioned during media day was his desire to become more dangerous in close by scoring greasy goals for the Mammoth.
“Holding onto pucks down low, getting inside more. I think scoring greaser goals, scoring more in tight,” Guenther explained.
“That’s what I’m good at, shooting it, & finding different ways to score & being more well-rounded.”
Well, mission accomplished.
Desperate for a goal against the Ducks in the middle frame, Guenther attacked the net fearlessly as he received the puck near the goal line, skated towards the crease and then beat the goaltender low to cut into the lead.
Gunner gets Utah on the board! pic.twitter.com/sDSnophq4e
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) September 23, 2025
Like Guenther said, it’s about becoming more well-rounded.
Everyone knows that he can scorch the net from deep with his arsenal of laser beams.
But imagine him adding to his tally with 10-15 greaser goals.
That’s how you remain effective in the NHL.
Not by settling for what you do best but by making yourself even more versatile.
Dylan Guenther is good at hockey pic.twitter.com/W848O2ZrLK
— Cap’n Cook 🦣 (@JazzePinkman) September 23, 2025
So far, Guenther has kept his word which will only benefit him as the regular season approaches.
The preseason isn’t necessarily about results, but generating chemistry & evaluating prospects
Look, there’s no denying that it hasn’t exactly been a fun start to the preseason for the Utah Mammoth.
Through three games, they’ve lost three times and been outscored 14-4.
That’s awful.
But it’s important to remember, that’s not what the preseason is about.
With a handful of AHL skaters on each roster, a collection of young prospects and only a few season veterans, these preseason lineups are not constructed to win every night.
For Utah, with how many prospects they have knocking on the door, it’s important to give these young players as much time as possible to demonstrate their skills and show how close they are to cracking the opening day roster.
So far, that’s been a success.
Iginla has been strong offensively, Dmitri Simashev has shown poise, Maveric Lamoureux has made progress and Daniil But recently illustrated his potential with a gorgeous power play goal.
On the flipside, the preseason also gives veterans a chance to settle back in and reignite their chemistry with certain teammates.
Again, that’s been a positive.
Lawson Crouse looks like his old self; Guenther scored a greaser goal and both power plays have demonstrated great chemistry.
So, while it may seem concerning that Utah has been dominated through three games.
Don’t worry about it.
Results don’t really matter at this point.
What’s next for the Utah Mammoth?
Training camp will take place from September 17 through October 4 at the new training facility in Sandy.
The Mammoth’s next preseason game will be against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night at 8 p.m. MT.
The game will be available on Mammoth+.
Cole Bagley is the Utah Mammoth insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.
Take us with you, wherever you go.
