SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Mammoth remained perfect on Sunday night, increasing their winning streak and total wins on home ice to three with a mature 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins.
As Nick Schmaltz and Clayton Keller remained hot with four more points on the night, Dylan Guenther answered the bat signal yet again as he blasted the eventual game-winner into the back of the net to seal the deal.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s third win straight at home.
Dmitri Simashev continues to make strides every time he steps on the ice for the Mammoth
After making the opening night roster, 20-year-old defenseman Dmitri Simashev has swiftly proven he belongs in the NHL.
Through six games in a Utah Mammoth sweater, No. 26 has been elevated to both the first line pairing and top PK unit with his reliable and steady play.
Absolutely clutch block from Simashev in the crease.
Puck was coming across for an easy one-timer but he lowered himself to the ground with his stick on the ice and stopped it from coming through.
Saved a goal, no doubt.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 20, 2025
What stands out the most about Simashev is that he simply does everything right as a young defenseman.
He’s strong on the puck, skates at an elite level, closes down space, blocks shots, jams lanes, recovers strong and has yet to make any significant mistakes.
Sure, he hasn’t registered his first NHL point yet, but that’s ok.
He’s held his own in the offensive zone and with time, the points will come.
To be honest, fans should appreciate Simashev’s patience in that regard.
Far too many young defensemen damage their reputation by trying to force things offensively or playing outside their comfort zone.
But Simashev just gets it.
He knows why he’s in the NHL and he’s not trying to do anything out of character which has resulted in additional opportunities.
Obviously, he’ll want to expand that side of his game but for now, he’s playing elite defense and continued to do so against Boston with a few critical stops.
Once the offensive side of his game eventually kicks and with more experience, Simashev has the potential to transform into a No. 1 D-man in Utah for years to come.
The Clayton Keller & Nick Schmaltz connection has been unstoppable as of late
Over the last six periods of hockey, Utah’s veterans have taken their games to another level as Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz have combined for a colossal 12 points.
Perhaps the most impressive part?
Their connection has been telepathic as every single one of those points has either been a goal or an assist from the other.
“Yeah, how to describe that? That’s a tough one. I don’t know,” Head coach Andre Tourigny explained. “They see each other and like each other. You know, I had that discussion this summer, talking with Kells, and we’re talking about the team, and he loves to play with Schmaltzy, you know.
“Any good player, to find another player who thinks like you, who you will know where you are, you know where you will be. It’s not a matter of talent; it’s just a special chemistry, just something you build over time…Those kinds of things take time to build, and I think they have that.”
More brilliance on the power play as Utah breaks down the Boston PK and waits patiently for space to open up.
Schmaltz & Keller with 5 points over the last 4 periods.
Cooley gets his second goal of the season.pic.twitter.com/G0OK1HuqUX
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 19, 2025
Elite work here by Utah.
Look at that little screen from Cole & then Schmaltz sells the head fake to open up the pass for Keller to finish.
That connection is unstoppable right now. https://t.co/yywWDyCS43
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 20, 2025
Despite an underwhelming start to the season through the first few road games, the No. 9 to No. 8 connection has suddenly come to life on home ice.
With several seasons of experience playing alongside each other, Utah’s top line has finally reacquainted themselves and been the primary driving force amidst an undefeated home stand.
“Chemistry is tough to find in this league & it takes time to really figure each other out. It always feels like we know where one another is at,” Clayton Keller described.
“I can’t not say Hayton’s name because he’s such an important piece of our line.”
Clayton Keller on his chemistry with Schmaltz: “Chemistry is tough to find in this league & it takes time to really figure each other out. It always feels like we know where one another is at.”
“I can’t not say Hayton’s name because he’s such an important piece of our line.” pic.twitter.com/rHVzc6lqhe
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 20, 2025
Like Keller pointed out, chemistry isn’t overly abundant in the NHL and it takes time to truly develop.
But for him, Schmaltz and even Barrett Hayton, the top line connection has been unstoppable recently and will need to continue if Utah plans on making the playoffs.
Dylan Guenther is becoming one of the elite finishers in the NHL
It seems as though every big goal for the Utah Mammoth comes off of No. 11’s stick and rightly so.
Since last February, Guenther has scored an NHL-leading eight game winners in 36 contests according to the Utah Mammoth.
The player just behind him with six?
Sidney Crosby.
That’s not only elite company, but to currently have more than the greatest to ever play the game during that stretch is no small feat.
Insanely impressive.
No. 11 is special. https://t.co/EVFaZT1lUL
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 20, 2025
Adding another to his tally, Guenther answered the bat signal yet again as he blasted one from his office in the third period to retake the lead and eventually, win the game.
Elite players separate themselves by getting to their spots despite all the attention they draw.
What a goal from No. 11. https://t.co/cffvP9b58D
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 20, 2025
Despite having a defenseman draped all over him and two between him and the back of the net, Guenther unleashed a rocket to light the lamp.
That’s not as easy as he makes it look.
After grabbing the attention of the league with his performance last season, defenses know what to expect which makes it even more difficult to score.
“Last year & the year before, people don’t really know who you are. Maybe now they know a little bit more,” Guenther said.
“Just trying to create a little more space, work on getting it off quick.”
Guenther explains how he’s had to adjust his shot now that teams have his name circled:
“Last year & the year before, people don’t really know who you are. Maybe now they know a little bit more.”
“Just trying to create a little more space, work on getting it off quick.” pic.twitter.com/93kKbI8l6D
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 20, 2025
So, how has 11 combated all the attention?
By finding other ways to score and becoming more versatile.
Rather than just sitting in his spot and expecting those shots to keep going in, Guenther has expanded his arsenal.
He’s getting to the net, battling in the corners, setting up in the slot, and wandering constantly until he finds open space.
“Most of the goal scorers have more than one tool or weapon that they can attack you in different ways. That’s what he arrived at training camp with the mindset of doing and he’s doing a good job,” Tourigny said.
“He’s bringing more speed to the net, he’s more direct…he still has his great shot like we just saw tonight but now he can beat you in different ways.”
Already equipped with one of the nastiest shots in the league, Guenther is on a path to become one of the best goal scorers throughout the entire NHL.
He’s not just going to settle for being really good at one thing.
No, he’s expanding his game to become a dangerous player from anywhere and that’s what separates him as an elite goal scorer.
What’s next for the Utah Mammoth?
The Utah Mammoth will conclude their initial home stand against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. MT
The game will be available on ESPN.
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.
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