SALT LAKE CITY – Following several notable line changes amongst the middle six, the Utah Mammoth dominated the Toronto Maple Leafs for their first win over the opposition in franchise history.
With two goals from Dylan Guenther and 13 total points amongst the second and third lines, Utah took advantage of a tired Leafs team on the second night of a back-to-back.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s 6-1 victory over Toronto.
Michael Carcone has been one of the most reliable players for the Utah Mammoth
Nearly a year ago it seemed as though Michael Carcone had worn a Utah sweater for the last time.
During arguably the most interesting and lively exit interview of the inaugural season, Carcone explained that he and the organization couldn’t come to terms and he would be taking his talents elsewhere.
“I don’t think we’re going to agree on anything,” Carcone said last April. “I spoke to the coaching staff and management, and I think we’re going to go in a different direction.”
Done deal, right?
Not so fast.
Fast forward 9 months and No. 53 has arguably been one of the most reliable players for the Mammoth all season.
“Obviously, [he’s been] fantastic,” Head coach Andre Tourigny said. “Sometimes things happen for a reason…there was stuff I was expecting [last season]. This year, I have nothing to say about all of those things. He really bought in, he’s tuned in and he gets rewarded.”
Appearing on Utah’s third line in 45 of their 47 games, Carcone has thrived in his role.
In addition to his nine goals (seventh most on the team), eight assists, 17 total points (ninth most on the team) and 72 hits (fourth most on the team) the 29-year-old has brought speed, pace, physicality, creativity and a reliable presence to Utah’s checking line.
Despite his size, Carcone has been fearless in his approach which was on full display against the Leafs as he burst into the offensive zone, circulated the puck, reloaded and then blasted a one-timer past Dennis Hildeby to get Utah on the board.
Dominant first period for the Mammoth as they led SOG 12-6 and established a 1-0 lead.
40 to go.pic.twitter.com/9cgMC7zASV
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 14, 2026
For a season full of ups and downs, Carcone’s contributions cannot be overlooked, especially considering the fact that he had to swallow his pride to even re-sign with the Mammoth in the first place.
Since then, he’s completely bought in and provided the same reliable approach every night.
Karel Vejmelka’s game continues to improve as he was brilliant between the pipes against Toronto
It seems that nearly every game Utah has won recently, we’re talking about Karel Vejmelka’s play between the pipes.
But at this point, how can we not?
With a .900 save percentage on the year and .920 in January, No. 70 has been nothing but spectacular in net as of late which has led to most of those wins.
Against the Leafs, it was more of the same as he made some key stops early, was impenetrable on the PK, robbed Jonathan Tavares on a breakaway and then was an anchor as Utah weathered some pushback by Toronto in the third.
Stopped by Vejmelka! ❌ pic.twitter.com/dP1K64hHpP
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) January 14, 2026
After a tough start to the year, Vejmelka has played a style of hockey that will give his team a favorable chance to make the playoffs.
Not just a couple games here and there, but consistent performances that are keeping the Mammoth in games during critical stretches with an opportunity to win on any given night.
Now, while Utah’s six goals were likely still insurmountable, Vejmelka kept the Leafs at an arm’s length with 19 saves on 20 shots (.950).
If he keeps it up, and as long as the team continues to play like they did against Toronto, Utah will make the playoffs.
The Utah Mammoth got the spark they wanted after Guenther & But switched lines
After recording his first career hat-trick against the New York Islanders on January 1, Dylan Guenther had gone relatively quiet for the Utah Mammoth.
With only one point over the previous five games, Utah needed more from their leading goal scorer which inspired the coaching staff to make a change by dropping Guenther to the third line and elevating Daniil But to the second.
“We’re looking for a spark,” Head coach Andre Tourigny explained after morning skate on Tuesday. “McBain & Guenther like to play together. At the same time, But needs to execute just a little bit better.”
“We’ll adjust if need be. We’ll start the game that way & see how the matchup is going.”
Unconventional?
Yes.
Dropping one of your best scorers out of the top six is not an overly common occurrence in the NHL.
But for Guenther, it didn’t matter as he put his head down and injected energy into the offense with back-to-back goals.
Blink and you’ll miss it 👀
🚨 Gunner makes it 2-0, Utah! pic.twitter.com/0cX0tUqbeS
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) January 14, 2026
Gunner gets his second of the night and 23rd of the season! pic.twitter.com/PWYdEbGNvm
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) January 14, 2026
In turn, JJ Peterka also scored as But presented himself as an overbearing screen in front of Dennis Hildeby.
That puck doesn’t cross the line with But’s size and presence.
“They [McBain’s line] played hard and fast. They were really fast in everything they did,” Tourigny explained.
“It clicked…Gunner and Carcs had success last year when they played together. Same thing with Gunner and Bainer…that was the rationale behind it. We were hoping between But, JJ, and Hayton would click as well.”
JJ makes it 4-0 🤩
How’s everyone feeling?! pic.twitter.com/RBpWFaEHxy
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) January 14, 2026
The lines changes worked because both groups received something they were lacking.
Guenther added more speed and playmaking to the third line while But offered a lot more size on the second.
The result?
26 shots, six goals, 13 points, a huge win over the Toronto Maple Leafs and a stroke of brilliance from the coaching staff.
What’s next for the Utah Mammoth?
The Utah Mammoth will continue their seven-game home stand against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night at 7 p.m. MT.
The game will be available on Mammoth+.
All Mammoth games will also be broadcast live on the KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM/1280 AM).
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.
