Utah had 11 players on the scoresheet in the win, and five of those players had multi-point games. Anders Lee paced the Mammoth with two goals while Daniil But (PPG), captain Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, and Liam O’Brien all added one tally each. Karel Vejmelka played all but eight seconds in tonight’s game. He had 19 saves on 22 shots for an .864 save percentage.
The Mammoth had to withstand multiple momentum swings in this high scoring affair, including at the start of the second and third periods. However, Utah rode the wave and responded each time. Early in the second period when LA cut the lead to one, Nick Schmaltz scored his first of the preseason to give the visitors back a two-goal lead. After the Kings cut the lead to one once again, this time at the start of the third period, Liam O’Brien’s goal put the Mammoth ahead by two.
“Obviously we’re not happy because they climbed back in the game,” Tourigny said of the Kings scoring early in the second and third periods. “But (I) never felt (there) was a panic or a problem. I think the guys were even keeled and they were mentally resilient, so happy about that, too.”
Forward Daniil But had an impressive performance in his second game this preseason. The forward opened the scoring in the first period, and set up Anders Lee’s second period tally. But played more to his identity, the same identity that led to 29 NHL games last season.
“I feel good,” But said postgame. “The most important thing is we won today so I’m happy I can help the team win.”
“I’m happy about the response of (But),” Tourigny said of the rookie’s performance. “I think (But) had a good night. Simpler, more direct, did a good job with those guys. Went at the net, those kinds of things.”
Ahead of tonight’s game, defenseman Andrew Peeke discussed what he wants to bring to the d-core. He said he wanted to be physical, win his battles, compete, and provide momentum for his team. He did just that.
“Really liked the game of (Peeke),” Tourigny said. “(Got) under their skin. He was physical, there was a lot to like.”
Tourigny shared that he liked Yegor Borikov’s game once again, saying the forward “played solid.” Utah’s bench boss also highlighted MacKenzie Weegar, “a beast out there,” Tomas Lavoie for his “really good night,” and Liam O’Brien for “a lot of positives” with his game.
The Mammoth will practice on Wednesday before Thursday’s preseason game in Las Vegas against the Golden Knights.
Final Stats from Tonight
Shots on Goal: UTA 35, LAK 22
Face-off%: UTA 57.1%, LAK 42.9%
Power Play: UTA 1/4, LAK 1/4
Hits: UTA 27, LAK 24
Blocked Shots: LAK 14, UTA 6
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