Utah Mammoth Enter Final Pre-Olympic Homestand Riding Momentum, Eyeing More Points
The Utah Mammoth are closing in on the Olympic break, but they’re not easing up-not with two more home games on tap and a red-hot January still fresh in the rearview mirror. After going 10-4-1 last month, Utah is surging into February with confidence, depth, and a few key players heating up at just the right time.
Let’s break down where the Mammoth stand heading into a pivotal week-and what to watch for as they host Vancouver and Detroit.
Utah’s January Surge: Offense Clicking, Vejmelka Standing Tall
Utah didn’t just win games in January-they dominated stretches of it. The Mammoth put together a nine-game point streak, including a five-game win streak, and outscored opponents 54-38 over the course of the month. That kind of production has them well-positioned as they settle into a six-game homestand that spans both sides of the Olympic break.
Kailer Yamamoto is catching fire at the perfect time. With four goals in his last two games and seven points over his last five (5G, 2A), he’s looking like a difference-maker every time he touches the puck.
JJ Peterka also hit a milestone, recording his 100th and 101st NHL assists in Utah’s most recent outing. He’s quietly been a steady contributor with five points in his last six games.
And then there’s Karel Vejmelka. The Mammoth netminder continues to be the backbone of this team, tied for the league lead in both games played (42) and wins (25).
He’s been a rock in net, and his workload speaks to the trust Utah’s coaching staff has in him. When he’s locked in, the Mammoth are tough to beat.
Injury Notes - Utah
While Utah’s trending upward, they’re still managing some key injuries:
- Logan Cooley and Alexander Kerfoot both skated in non-contact jerseys during Monday’s morning session. Both remain on injured reserve with lower-body injuries.
- Anson Thorton, also dealing with a lower-body issue, remains on the injured non-roster list.
Getting Cooley and Kerfoot back would be a big boost to the forward depth, but for now, Utah continues to roll with the group that’s been getting it done.
Next Up: Vancouver Comes to Town (Feb. 2 - 7:30 P.M. MT)
Utah and Vancouver meet for the second time this season, with the Mammoth having taken the first matchup 4-1. That game saw Utah get goals from Mikhail Sergachev (on the power play), Nick Schmaltz, Kevin Stenlund, and John Marino (a shorty and an empty-netter), while Vejmelka turned away 31 of 32 shots.
Vancouver’s coming in on a tough stretch. The Canucks went 2-11-3 in January and are 2-7-1 over their last 10 games. They’ve struggled to find consistency, and while the offensive talent is there, the execution hasn’t followed.
Jake DeBrusk, Elias Pettersson, and Drew O’Connor each lead the team with 13 goals, while Pettersson also leads the Canucks in points (34). Filip Hronek has been the top distributor with 27 assists. Over the last five games, Pettersson’s five assists pace the team, while Teddy Blueger leads in goals with three.
This will be Vancouver’s first stop on a two-game road swing before the break, with Vegas up next. For Utah, this is a prime opportunity to bank more points against a struggling opponent.
Injury Notes - Vancouver
The Canucks are banged up, particularly on the back end and in net:
- Nils Hoglander is day-to-day with a lower-body issue.
- Brock Boeser (concussion), Marco Rossi (lower-body), Zeev Buium (facial injury), Guillaume Brisebois (month-to-month), Derek Forbort (undisclosed), and Thatcher Demko (hip) are all on IR.
That’s a long list of missing pieces, and it’s showing in Vancouver’s recent results.
Then Comes Detroit (Feb. 4 - 7:00 P.M. MT)
The Mammoth wrap up their pre-Olympic schedule with a visit from the Red Wings, a team they handled earlier this season in a 4-1 win. Clayton Keller, Jack McBain, Dylan Guenther, and Kevin Stenlund found the back of the net in that one, while Vejmelka stopped 27 of 28 shots.
Detroit’s in a different spot than Vancouver. The Red Wings went 8-4-3 in January and are 5-3-2 over their last 10, though they enter the week on a three-game skid. Still, with a 32-18-6 record, they’re firmly in the playoff mix.
Alex DeBrincat continues to lead the way offensively. He’s got 30 goals on the season and has added four more in the last five games, along with an assist.
Detroit’s special teams are solid-eighth-best power play (23.3%) and a middle-of-the-pack penalty kill (79.6%). They’re also strong in the faceoff circle, ranking ninth in the league at 51.1%.
Before facing Utah, the Red Wings will take on the Avalanche in Colorado. Depending on how that game goes, they could be looking to snap a losing streak or build momentum heading into the break.
Injury Notes - Detroit
- Simon Edvinsson remains out with a lower-body injury and is currently on IR.
What to Watch
With two games left before the Olympic pause, Utah has a chance to keep stacking wins and solidify their position in the standings. Yamamoto’s hot streak, Vejmelka’s steady presence, and the team’s overall cohesion make them a tough out right now. Vancouver’s vulnerability and Detroit’s recent slide both present opportunities-but only if the Mammoth stay sharp.
Home ice has been kind to Utah. Now it’s about taking care of business before the lights go out for the Olympic break.