SALT LAKE CITY – Despite another loss for the Utah Mammoth in the preseason, Tuesday’s matchup in Boise, ID provided the front office with a great look at their young prospects as each played quality minutes against the LA kings.
While they ultimately came up short in a narrow 3-2 loss, the young Mammoth learned some valuable lessons about what it takes to make it in the NHL.
Here are the key takeaways from Tuesday’s loss in Boise.
Utah came up short but there was a lot to like about their 6-on-5 play to end regulation
Look, I get it.
Another failed 6-on-5 attempt by the Utah Mammoth, and the scoreless streak continues to rear its ugly head.
However, despite failing to tie the game and force OT, there was still a lot to like about the way Utah played after pulling Karel Vejmelka to finish the game.
Kings BARELY hang on as Utah put significant pressure on them during the final 16.9 seconds.
Nearly a perfect 6-on-5 play to conclude regulation as But stepped in to win the faceoff, they swung the puck to the far side & Carcone fired one on net.
Shot unfortunately doesn’t go.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 1, 2025
After giving up an unfortunate late goal off a quick rush to LA with just under five minutes to go, the Mammoth were forced to pull their goaltender in an attempt to tie the game.
Wardo gets the go-ahead! pic.twitter.com/RLYDF3LZzA
— LA Kings (@LAKings) October 1, 2025
With two minutes left on the clock, Vejmelka skated to the bench and an extra attacker hopped over the boards.
For 90 plus percent of those final 120 seconds, Utah absolutely dominated possession in the offensive zone.
The defensemen were active, the puck moved well, the line was kept, battles were won, and the team generated several dangerous opportunities.
Unfortunately, those opportunities just didn’t find the back of net and the Kings held on to win, 3-2.
So, yes, another 6-on-5 situation for the Mammoth that came up empty.
But that was arguably the most dangerous the team has ever looked in that situation and a lot of it had to do with the play from the blue line.
With a deepened and fully healthy D-core to start the season, Utah just might end that cold streak and snatch one with an empty net behind them at some point this year.
There were some key teaching moments for the young Mammoth skaters against the LA Kings
With one of their youngest lineups of the preseason on the ice in Boise against LA, Tuesday night’s matchup was full of teaching moments for some of the Mammoth’s young players.
Not only did they learn some important lessons defensively, but they also realized what it takes to climb back from an early 2-0 deficit.
“There’s a lot of positives,” Head coach Andre Tourigny said. “Not a slow start but they played well on the other side and then after, we played really well.”
“Our PK was really good, we had good O-zone possession, we checked really hard, we didn’t give them any time and space…I am really happy about our pace.”
For the vast majority of young players, adjusting to the National Hockey League takes time and countless reps.
From the speed to the pace, physicality and everything in between, it’s a significant adjustment no matter where these players come from.
Against Los Angeles, most, if not all the young skaters learned a few valuable lessons as they each played plenty of valuable minutes.
Young roster with a lot of junior/AHL players in the lineup.
Not gonna be the prettiest. https://t.co/DBD9jrsUYs
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 1, 2025
For But, he passed on an open shot early in the first as he simply tried to do too much.
Later, he then committed a bad turnover in the neutral zone that led to a goal.
For Simashev, while he originally made a great defensive play to deny a dangerous chance, he eventually lost track of the puck and his man ended up scoring.
Andre Lee makes it 2-0‼️ pic.twitter.com/CWOTJVZbxs
— LA Kings (@LAKings) October 1, 2025
As for Iginla, he was mercilessly introduced to the boards as he tried to beat a defenseman with speed but was greeted with a nasty hip check instead.
Important and valuable lessons.
However, on the flipside, the young Mammoth also showed grit and heart as they battled back from a sizable deficit.
Rather than throwing in the towel, they dug in their blades, turned up the intensity and orchestrated an impressive comeback.
That is what the preseason is all about.
To give the vets a sweat, test your depth and offer the young guys valuable minutes to learn important lessons.
Despite falling just short, Utah’s young skaters took advantage of every opportunity as they quickly learned, adjusted and made improvements as the game progressed.
Daniil But demonstrated his ridiculous offensive potential with another top cheddar laser beam
Through the 2025-26 preseason, it’s become blatantly obvious that Daniil But can flat out shoot the puck.
Adding yet another top shelf snipe to his highlight reel, But connected on another timely laser beam against the LA kings to tie the game at two in the second period.
Look at Iginla & Smith battle in close. Relentless. No fear.
Nice little sneaky bump from Iginla on the defenseman right before the shot. If there was a rebound, he would’ve cleaned it up.
However, no need as But BURIED it. What a shot. https://t.co/0KCnz3mW9t
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 1, 2025
For the young Russian forward, this performance presented a clear preview of his potential as he finished the night with two points (one assist, one goal).
He’s a disruptive, big body in the offensive zone with good vision, an imposing presence, nice handles and a BLAZING rocket off the tape of his twig.
When he’s at his best, he’s undoubtedly a future top six forward in the NHL who shows flashes of a Tage Thompson-like skillset.
That’s significant for Utah.
“What I like is that he made a mistake on their second goal and he reacted right away. It did not phase him. He did not crawl back from there,” Tourigny said of But.
“He really pushed back, had a good assist and scored a big goal. That was good to see that.”
Overall, But has looked fantastic tonight against the Kings.
In addition to his laser goal, he’s been active in the O-zone, asserted himself physically, generated pressure and orchestrated some really nice, dangerous passes.
I’d argue he’s made the most progress in camp.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 1, 2025
For a guy who started training camp fairly poor, he’s made huge leap over the last few weeks as his confidence has grown, and the game has slowed down.
Will he make the opening night roster?
That’s really tough to say at this point.
But he has certainly improved his chances and is proving he deserves minutes with the big club at some point this season, no doubt.
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 Utah Mammoth will now host the Los Angeles Kings at the newly renovated Delta Center on October 2 at 7 p.m.
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.
