SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Mammoth finally rediscovered their game on Wednesday night as they absolutely demolished the Anaheim Ducks. With a collective and energetic effort across the roster, Utah secured a much-needed win to get back on track and re-enter the wild card playoff race during a critical stretch of the season.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s commanding 7-0 victory.
How was Daniil’s rookie DeBut for the Utah Mammoth?
After being recalled by the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday afternoon, rookie forward Daniil But made his NHL debut against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night.
Related: Utah Mammoth Call Up Daniil But From Tucson Roadrunners, Dmitri Simashev Sent Down To AHL
How’d he play?
Good.
Nothing crazy one way or the other, but genuinely solid.
Rookie laps are so special.
One of my favorite things about hockey. https://t.co/G2Q4wXjADT
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 4, 2025
In roughly 12 minutes of ice time and 18 shifts, But was confident, involved and asserted himself physically.
For the night, the young forward finished with two shots, two hits and a plus/minus of plus one after Dylan Guenther beat Ville Husso five-hole in the first period to give Utah a 2-0 lead.
Gunner with a beauty and Utah leads 2-0. pic.twitter.com/c6SlVMCINh
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) December 4, 2025
As demonstrated by several of his shifts, But offered shifty hands, good positioning, a high hockey IQ and an intimidating presence with his 6-foot-6 frame.
Notably, But also played with confidence as he jumped right into the top six and didn’t look out of place.
However, all things considered, the 20-year-old will want to get a little bit more involved offensively as he’s capable of effectively crowding the crease and firing absolute laser beams.
But in terms of his first NHL performance, tonight was a good start with plenty of potential to be excited about.
Maveric Lamoureux shined in his season debut for the Utah Mammoth as he simplified his game
While But made his NHL debut, young defenseman Maveric Lamoureux made his season debut for the Utah Mammoth after being recalled earlier on Wednesday morning.
How’d he play?
Excellent.
In 16:51 of ice time, Lamoureux registered an assist, one shot, three blocks, two hits and a plus/minus of plus four.
The difference?
He simplified his game as he moved the puck, disrupted the opposition with an active stick, utilized sound positioning and kept his head on a swivel.
Short side stinger from Colesy 🔥
🚨 3-0, Utah. pic.twitter.com/1XwEZPItdy
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) December 4, 2025
Lamoureux has all the defensive potential in the world.
He’s tall, good on his skates, physical, intimidating, smart, aware and presents a reach that most others in the NHL simply don’t have.
However, during the preseason, he tried to do too much and was caught pinching or sleeping far too many times as noted by Tucson Roadrunners head Coach Steve Potvin.
“He’s boisterous. He has good energy about him,” Potvin explained during training camp.
“He’s one of the guys that needs to simplify his game…he does have good offensive capability, but listen, he’s just one of those guys that needs to simplify his game.”
That’s the key for Lamoureux.
Simplicity.
When he plays his game and allows his strengths to take over, he’s very good.
When he doesn’t his desire to do too much can be exploited.
Tonight was the perfect example of the former.
The Utah Mammoth win when they collectively choose to play with energy and heart
After losing four straight and 13 of 17 since their seven-game win streak in October, tonight’s 7-0 victory over Anaheim was not only a must-win situation, but also a demonstration of character and heart.
So, what changed?
Let’s go back to last game for just a second.
As reported by National Insider Frank Seravalli on his daily show with Bleacher Report, General Manager Bill Armstrong had a serious chat with the team following the loss to the Sharks on Monday night.
Obviously, the boys listened.
“I’m told that Bill Armstrong delivered a pretty strong and significant message to his team after their loss to San Jose on Monday,” Seravalli reported on Wednesday morning. “Just, ‘Hey, we’ve got to find a way to get back on track and get this together.’”
“They’re trying to fix this and get it right.”
Live Now: Frankly Hockey on @victoryplustv.
The #GoAvsGo are a wagon – but what’s made them so great? @gourmet_hockey breaks it down. Olympic ice. #TusksUp. #Flames / #preds. #GoHabsGo.
YouTube: https://t.co/rEX8TBWJuV https://t.co/eMvARGuCpo
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 3, 2025
As I’ve pointed out numerous times before, wins and losses for the Utah Mammoth come down to whether or not they decide to play with energy and urgency.
When they don’t, they look sluggish, out of their element and don’t stand a chance against really anybody.
Such was the case in their 6-3 loss to San Jose.
However, when they hit the ice with confidence and an infectious energy, they can play with anybody in the National Hockey League which they demonstrated in Anaheim with a 7-0 win.
No quit in this line!
🚨 Crouser gets his third goal in two games! pic.twitter.com/bztJxYeSzv
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) December 4, 2025
Gunner with a beauty and Utah leads 2-0. pic.twitter.com/c6SlVMCINh
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) December 4, 2025
Passing masterclass leads to a Peterka goal!
🚨 4-0, Utah. pic.twitter.com/mfphTyMpfQ
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) December 4, 2025
What does that kind of confident effort look like for Utah?
It looks like the third line suffocating the opposition on the forecheck and getting to the net.
It’s illustrated when Cooley’s line generates turnovers in the neutral zone and attacks off the rush.
It’s found when Clayton Keller is moving the puck confidently with Nick Schmaltz and scoring filthy tic-tac-toe goals.
It’s also demonstrated when the defense helps their goaltender claim a shutout by collectively putting their bodies on the line with 25 blocked shots (season-high), clogging shooting lanes, and utilizing active sticks.
That’s what the Mammoth did tonight and that’s the kind of performance they need to offer every night.
This team’s success is based on them collectively choosing to the play with heart.
Tonight, they wore their heart on their sleeves and got the job done.
Now it’s time to build on it and leave the slump behind.
What’s next for the Utah Mammoth?
The Utah Mammoth will continue their six-game road trip against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday 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.
