SALT LAKE CITY – Despite going toe-to-toe with the best team in the Eastern Conference, the Utah Mammoth’s five game win streak and nine game point streak came to an end as they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Following four trips to the penalty box, the Mammoth struggled to contain their composure as Lightning struck twice on the man advantage.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s 2-0 loss in Tampa.
A much better start in Tampa set a competitive tone for the Utah Mammoth
After allowing four goals in the first five minutes over their last three games, the Utah Mammoth flipped the script against the Tampa Bay Lightning as they were ready to battle from the initial puck drop.
Despite both teams failing to find the back of the net through the first 20 minutes of play, Utah dominated most of the period.
In addition to leading shots on goal 12-11 through the first, Utah also outshot Tampa Bay 27-17 while winning 11 of 18 face offs.
The primary driving force?
Utah’s second line as Daniil But, Barrett Hayton and JJ Peterka ferociously attacked the offensive zone.
Utah’s second line is buzzing early.
They have been so good on the forecheck. Generating a plethora of chances and sustaining possession in the O-Zone.
This is a fun game so far.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 27, 2026
Learning from the last two periods in Nashville on Saturday, Hayton’s line suffocated the Lightning as they battled for loose pucks, reloaded efficiently, screened the goaltender and sustained lengthy possessions in Tampa’s zone.
Great first shift by Utah’s second line.
Ferocious on the forecheck, battling in front of the net, reloading, and putting immense pressure on Tampa.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 27, 2026
While Utah ultimately lost 2-0 to the Lightning, the improved start set a competitive tone which allowed the Mammoth to keep things close.
You want to compete with the big boys in the National Hockey League?
You have to be ready from the initial puck drop and Utah made the proper adjustments to give themselves a chance.
A collection of penalties cost the Utah Mammoth as Lightning struck twice
At five-on-five, the Utah Mammoth held their own against the other hottest team in the league as the Lightning failed to score at even strength through 52 minutes.
However, of the four times Tampa Bay went to the power play, the home team cashed in twice as the Mammoth continuously put themselves at a disadvantage.
Raddy gettin’ us started 👏 https://t.co/GV6fiaMvdE pic.twitter.com/Yk3OGorPg5
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 27, 2026
He was bound to get it 😏 pic.twitter.com/u6iLTJrnuB
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 27, 2026
Since the beginning of the year, the Lightning’s power play has been on an absolute heater as they’ve connected on roughly 35 percent of their opportunities.
Not exactly a team you want to give multiple chances to but that’s where Utah struggled as they failed to keep their composure.
“I think we played a really good game, especially at five on five,” Head Coach Andre Tourigny said. “Unfortunately, too many timely penalties. Not just, we got in the box, it was the timing of when we got in the box.”
“That cost us the game.”
When two heavyweights go to war, it’s generally a mistake or two that becomes the difference.
Against Tampa, Utah’s numerous penalties were magnified as they excelled at full strength but struggled to contain the Lightning on the power play.
Utah was good, Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy was just better
After capturing their 33rd win and 70th point of the season, the Tampa Bay Lightning are playing elite hockey that just might result in a serious run at the Stanley Cup this summer.
In addition to consistent production from their top players (Kucherov, Guentzel, Hagel & Raddysh), Andrei Vasilevskiy may be on track for his second Vezina Trophy (2019).
Through 33 games this season, Vasilevskiy has registered 23 wins (second-most in NHL), with a .920 save percentage (second-best in the NHL), and 2.07 GAA (league best).
But what makes him so good?
Standing 6-foot-4 between the pipes, Vasilevskiy towers in net with a massive frame that makes him nearly impenetrable.
On top of that, his athleticism is elite as he’s able to cover every inch of his crease seamlessly.
On Monday night, the Mammoth witnessed this firsthand as Tampa’s goaltender registered his 42nd career shutout with a collection of high-quality saves.
Whether it was stopping Clayton Keller on a breakaway or making a routine glove save against Kailer Yamamoto in the slot, it was simply business as usual for one of the best goalies in the world.
Nope. Nope. And nope again pic.twitter.com/0jd8avR7XO
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 27, 2026
What’s next for the Utah Mammoth?
The Utah Mammoth will continue their four-game road trip against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night at 5 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.
