SALT LAKE CITY – Amidst a gritty battle with the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night, the Utah Mammoth remained perfect in overtime thanks to a clutch game-winner from Captain Clayton Keller.
In addition to the first line returning to form offensively, Karel Vejmelka was spectacular between the pipes as he answered nearly every Grade A scoring chance the Sabres threw at him.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s 2-1 victory in OT.
Karel Vejmelka rescued the Utah Mammoth from several poor defensive breakdowns
While Utah only allowed 18 shots on net and just a single goal through 60 minutes of play, it was a fairly rough night defensively for the Utah Mammoth.
Surrendering a collection of Grade A scoring chances throughout the game, primarily in the first two periods, Utah was caught sleeping on several occasions which opened up space for the Sabres in dangerous areas.
Tage Thompson put two off the post, Bowen Bryam was left wide open in the slot, Michael Kesselring had a tap-in opportunity right in front and Alex Tuch nearly called game just moments before Clayton Keller’s OT winner.
But with the pipe on their side and Vejmelka standing on his head for most of the night (17 saves on 18 shots), Utah avoided being punished for some key defensive mistakes.
Veggie robs Kess on that one 🤯 pic.twitter.com/oHo06es702
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) November 5, 2025
“All year he’s been MVP. Making huge saves at the right time,” Clayton Keller explained.
“He has our back. Gives us the momentum back and he’s been awesome all year.”
Like Keller mentioned, Vejmelka has been very good early on as he’s made critical saves at key moments.
With a .894 SV% and only 2.6 GAA (No. 17 in the NHL), Vejmelka has consistently given Utah an opportunity to win every night.
Against Buffalo, he was easily the MVP as he not only rescued Utah on multiple occasions but also made the save of the game and captured an assist on Keller’s OT winner.
“Honestly, they had a scoring chance from the slot, and I thought I was going to freeze it, but they asked for it [the puck],” Vejmelka explained.
“It was a quick play. It was a no brainer for me, and it was good communication from them for sure.”
What a night for Veggie and his save(s) of the game! 👏#TusksUp | @HuntsmanMH pic.twitter.com/QbgiZw1g6z
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) November 5, 2025
So, while those breakdowns need to be corrected immediately, Utah has been able to rely on No. 70 as he’s undoubtedly had their back all season.
The Utah Mammoth’s top line led by example with a bounce back performance offensively
Following two straight losses and an uncharacteristic performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, Utah’s top six found themselves in a bit of a scoring drought.
Without a point from either of the two top lines through six straight periods, the Mammoth were in desperate need of offense in a scoreless game against the Sabres.
Enter Nick Schmaltz and Clayton Keller.
Just a few minutes into the third period, Utah’s stars took control as they burst into the offensive zone and connected yet again to light the lamp.
With an undeniable chemistry, the captain delivered a no-look pass to Schmaltz near the right faceoff circle, knowing full well he’d be there to finish it.
There’s no stopping that one.
🚨 Schmaltzy stays hot and makes it 1-0, Utah! pic.twitter.com/zDhvAkT8oc
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) November 5, 2025
“We had some good looks tonight. They weren’t dropping but our mindset was really positive,” Keller said.
“Schmaltz has been so hot. He’s been scoring & I just try to look for him every time I can. It was great to see him put that one home.”
Following a seven-game win streak, adversity was undeniably on its way.
But there seems to be a noticeable difference this season compared to last.
With back-to-back losses and potentially facing a third, rather than shying away, Schmaltz and Keller took charge and got the Mammoth back in the win column.
“In tight games this year, we’re way more calm and composed. We’re making the play when it matters. We’re not getting too high or too low,” Nick Schmaltz told the NHL Network.
“We’re sticking with our gameplan, trying to outwork teams…We feel like we can play with any team in the League right now.”
“We feel like we can play with any team in the League right now.”
Nick Schmaltz stopped by #NHLTonight following the @utahmammoth‘s overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres! pic.twitter.com/OPOuBWAUKW
— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) November 5, 2025
That’s not only the right mindset, but it’s exactly what Utah has needed as they relentlessly pursue the playoffs.
Consistency from every skater on the ice, contributions throughout the roster, and reliable leadership in shaky moments.
It’s like Bill Armstrong explained before the season began, he expects more from everyone on the roster if this team is going to make the playoffs.
Right now, that’s exactly what he’s getting from his Captain and Schmaltz as they’ve continuously stepped up early in the year.
The Utah Mammoth remain perfect in OT this season after Captain Clutch scored the game-winner
During their inaugural season, the Utah Hockey Club had the second most overtime losses (13) in the National Hockey League.
Brutal and one of the primary reasons they narrowly missed the playoffs.
But now in 2025 as the Utah Mammoth, the team is a perfect 3-0 in OT thanks to another clutch game winner from the captain.
What a goal from Keller to secure two points for Utah in a must-win.
Nice little circle from Keller after the play doesn’t initially develop, slight screen from Sergachev, and then Keller goes right at the net as he catches the defenseman flat-footed. https://t.co/3ZSyWNg7H5
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) November 5, 2025
Following an ice-cold glove save from Vejmelka, Keller put the team on his back as he beat Alex Lyon five-hole to secure two massive points.
Now, some may argue that a November game against Buffalo doesn’t really matter.
Wrong.
This was a culture setting win that curbed a potential three-game losing streak, got them back in the win column and helped the Mammoth remain unbeaten in OT.
That’s significant.
These are the types of wins that help establish a culture and identity that a team can ride the rest of season.
“We worked at it a ton, and a lot of the guys we’ve added helps a lot,” Keller said in regard to the team’s maturity.
“We have a lot of great leadership on this team that helps calm us down and keep us in the game when things go crazy.”
Not only was it important for Utah to get the win and remain perfect in OT, but it was important for Keller to provide that finishing touch as he’ll no doubt be relied upon again in moments of desperation when his team needs him.
What’s next for the Utah Mammoth?
The Utah Mammoth will continue their four-game road trip against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night at 5 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.
