SALT LAKE CITY – Amidst a heavyweight matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and Utah Mammoth on Tuesday night, Mr. Clutch Dylan Guenther came through yet again with another OT winner on the Wasatch Front.
Despite multiple pushes from the league leading Avalanche and reigning Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon, Utah responded in every big moment to remain a perfect 4-0 on home ice.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s 4-3 OT victory over Colorado.
Despite allowing three goals, Karel Vejmelka came up big against the Colorado Avalanche
While Karel Vejmelka’s 49-save performance against the Carolina Hurricanes last season remains his best, Tuesday’s offering against the Colorado Avalanche is certainly an honorable mention.
Despite facing fewer pucks (33) and allowing three goals, it was Vejmelka’s ability to make clutch stops in big moments that truly sets this one apart.
“I think the key moment was when we had our bumps, when the boat was rocking, a little veggie came up big. And made key saves at key moments,” Head Coach Andre Tourigny said.
For starters, holding Nathan MacKinnon scoreless on any given night is wildly impressive for a netminder, especially when he managed to take eight shots, two of which came on a breakaway.
What a save by Veggie! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/usxwIoSyUu
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) October 22, 2025
The sheer speed that No. 29 for the Avalanche plays with is arguably unrivaled.
Not only can he move the puck with unreal speed, but he can also fly on his skates in a way that most others can only dream of.
Combine that with his wicked handles and a palpable confidence that only the reigning MVP possess, you’ve created a goaltender’s nightmare.
But not for Vejmelka.
Every single time MacKinnon looked like he was due for a goal, Vejmelka slammed the door.
Sure, he could’ve stopped a few more pucks but he made the necessary stops and gave his team a chance to win the game.
It wasn’t perfect but it was still brilliant enough to hold MacKinnon scoreless and push Utah to victory.
That’s all you can ask for.
Dylan Guenther is Mr. Clutch after netting another game-winner
Two things that almost always belong together in a sentence: Dylan Guenther and game-winners.
Kind of like lamb and tuna fish? (Adam Sandler reference)
Since last February, Guenther leads the NHL in both game-winning goals (9) and OT winners (4).
So honestly, what more can you say about this kid besides the fact that he’s Mr. Clutch and has literal ice in his veins?
Dylan (Game-Winner) Guenther! pic.twitter.com/SSjFrgA9cf
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) October 22, 2025
According to defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, not much as he kept it short while stating a simple fact in response to a question regarding Guenther’s clutch goal-scoring abilities.
“He is,” Sergachev said convincingly.
Short, sweet and to the point.
Guenther is clutch.
Enough said.
Next.
Utah is establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with, but consistency will be key
While the initial road trip to start the season was wildly underwhelming for the Mammoth, Utah has suddenly found new life at Delta Center.
With four-straight wins and a perfect 8/8 points at Delta Center to begin the year, the Mammoth have swiftly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with on home ice.
Four victories, 16 goals for, only nine against, an improved power play, 10 total points on the year and a statement win over the best team hockey in what felt like a heavyweight battle.
“It’s a measuring stick for us,” Mikhail Sergachev explained. “They’re [Colorado] one of the best teams in the league. They’re showing it every year. They’re consistent. Their best players are consistent.”
“We want to be that, and we want to grow into that. Obviously, it’s nice to get a win, but it’s got to be on a consistent basis.”
Before dissecting Sergachev’s comment, it’s important to note that the Mammoth are playing very good hockey right now.
Wins over Calgary and San Jose should be expected, but to edge the Bruins and then dethrone the Avalanche in back-to-back games is no small feat.
That takes skill, maturity, grit and a whole lot of other things as well.
However, with that being said, there’s a lot of wisdom in Sergachev’s words.
For now, there’s no reason to get carried away.
They’re playing well but it’s still early and there’s TONS of hockey left.
While it’s nice to get a big win over the current cup favorite based on early results, staying hungry and unsatisfied will be critical for this team.
“We don’t want to feel good. We want to improve every game. There are still a lot of areas where we should improve, especially in that third,” Sergachev went on to explain.
“When they pushed, we should do a better job of not letting them get in our zone and try to play in their zone a little bit more. Obviously, they got world-class players, but we’ve got to try to limit chances.”
I asked Sergachev how good the team is feeling after 4 straight W’s.
He gave the answer you want to hear from your defensive anchor & alternate captain.
“We don’t want to feel good. We want to improve every game. There’s still a lot of areas we should improve.”
“It’s alright.” pic.twitter.com/eL44mxPXMz
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) October 22, 2025
That’s the right mindset to have.
Complacency breeds mediocrity and once you’ve reached that stage, this league will devour you.
So, while the homestand was certainly impressive and the win over Colorado is one to celebrate, Utah understands that there’s plenty more to be done.
It’s one thing to play this way for a few games early in the year.
It’s another find consistency for 82 games and prove yourself worthy of the playoffs.
Utah is focused on the latter.
What’s next for the Utah Mammoth?
The Utah Mammoth will now begin a four-game road trip against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night at 6 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.