Old Friends, New Stakes: Panthers Host Red-Hot Mammoth in Sunrise
There’s a reunion in South Florida tonight, but don’t expect too many warm-and-fuzzy moments once the puck drops. The Florida Panthers welcome the Utah Mammoth back to Amerant Bank Arena for the second and final meeting of the season between these two clubs - and while there’s plenty of familiarity on the ice, it’s all business once the game begins.
This will be the first time the Mammoth visit Sunrise since relocating from Arizona, and they’re bringing a few familiar faces with them. Former Panthers Nate Schmidt, Vitek Vanecek, and Kevin Stenlund - all key contributors to Florida’s 2024 Stanley Cup run - are back in town.
Schmidt and Vanecek received their championship rings last night, a moment that no doubt stirred memories of last June’s triumph. But come puck drop, nostalgia gives way to playoff-caliber hockey.
The last time these two teams met, it was a tightly contested battle in Salt Lake City. Florida edged out a 4-3 win thanks to a late goal from Anton Lundell with just 52 seconds remaining, sealing the deal for Sergei Bobrovsky. Expect another hard-fought matchup tonight, especially with both teams playing some of their best hockey of the season.
Utah’s Turnaround: No Longer a Western Afterthought
Let’s be clear: this isn’t the same franchise that struggled through more than a decade of playoff futility in Arizona. The Mammoth have transformed into a legitimate threat in the Western Conference and currently hold a wild card spot. After years of being overlooked, they’re finally turning heads - and doing it with a mix of savvy veterans and rising stars.
Head coach André Tourigny, now in his fifth season, has this group playing its most consistent hockey yet. Tourigny is on pace for his best campaign behind the bench, and it’s no coincidence.
Utah has found a rhythm, winning eight of its last ten and collecting points in nine straight games. This team is clicking, and the Panthers will have their hands full.
Familiar Faces, Fresh Impact
Nate Schmidt has found another gear this season. At 34, he’s not just hanging on - he’s thriving.
His plus-26 rating is a career best, and he’s on pace to surpass his point total from last year in Florida. When Panthers captain Sasha Barkov handed Schmidt the Cup after last year’s Game 6 win over Edmonton, it was a moment of recognition for a veteran who had never lifted Lord Stanley.
Now, he’s bringing that championship pedigree to Utah’s blue line, where he’s formed a steady pairing with John Marino.
Stenlund, meanwhile, continues to build on the breakout he had in Florida. The dependable fourth-line center carved out a niche last season as a faceoff ace and penalty kill specialist, and he’s added more scoring punch since joining Utah - already surpassing his Florida goal total with 14 last season. The Mammoth honored him with his Cup ring during Florida’s visit to Salt Lake earlier this season.
Then there’s Vanecek. The numbers haven’t been kind - a 2-9-2 record with a 2.92 GAA and .883 save percentage - but context matters.
In his nine regulation losses, Utah’s offense produced just 16 goals. In two of those games, he allowed just one goal and still came away empty-handed.
With Karel Vejmelka starting last night in a 2-0 loss to Tampa Bay, it’s likely Vanecek gets the nod tonight against his former team.
The Mammoth’s New Core
Utah isn’t just riding on the backs of former Panthers. The team has a strong foundation of young talent and established leaders.
Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley headline a group of emerging stars, while veterans Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz continue to deliver offensively. On the back end, Mikhail Sergachev provides a steadying presence and plays big minutes in all situations.
Statistically, Utah ranks in the top half of the league in both offense and defense - a testament to their balance and depth. They’re not just sneaking into games; they’re controlling them.
Panthers Stay Hot at Home
Florida, meanwhile, returns home riding a wave of momentum after a successful - and grueling - road trip. The Panthers swept a three-games-in-four-nights stretch, capped by a gritty win in Chicago.
That victory was more than just another two points; it was Florida’s first win in the Windy City since February 2022 and came on the heels of a 3:30 a.m. hotel check-in after flying in from Minnesota. Head coach Paul Maurice praised the team’s resilience, and rightfully so.
The Panthers are playing with the confidence of a defending champion, and they’ll need every ounce of it tonight. Utah may be new to the playoff chase, but they’re not playing like it. This one has all the makings of a playoff-style battle in late January.
Tonight’s Matchup
Game No. 52: Utah Mammoth at Florida Panthers
When: Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL
TV: Scripps Sports - WSFL 39 (Miami/FTL); WHDT 9 (WPB); LAFF 36.3 (SWFla)
Streaming: Panthers+, ESPN+
Radio: WQAM; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM 932, NHL App
Season Series: Panthers lead 1-0
Last Meeting: Florida 4, Utah 3 (Dec. 10 in Salt Lake City)
Last Season: Florida swept the season series 2-0
**All-Time vs.
Coyotes/Utah Franchise:** Florida leads 24-20-0 with 3 ties
Up Next for Florida: Thursday at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m. ET
The banners may be in the rafters, but the Panthers know the grind doesn’t stop. And with the Mammoth surging and hungry to prove they belong, tonight’s game is more than just a reunion - it’s a measuring stick for two teams with postseason aspirations.