The Utah Mammoths secured a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Monday night, thanks to Sean Durge’s overtime goal just 1:06 into the extra period. This win marked Utah’s second triumph in their last three games.
Dylan Guenther and Michael Carcone also scored for the Mammoths, with Karel Weimelka stopping 22 shots. On the Rangers’ side, Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere each scored, while Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad contributed two assists apiece. Despite their efforts, the Rangers suffered their fourth loss in five games (1 win, 2 losses, 2 draws). Igor Shesterkin made nine saves before exiting with an apparent injury in the first period, after which Jonathan Quick stepped in and made 14 saves.
In overtime, Durge finished off a precise pass from Nick Schmaltz, coming in from the right side. Earlier, Carcone tied the game at 2-2 by scoring at 6:15 of the third period, slipping the puck past Quick and dislodging the net in the process.
Lafreniere initially put the Rangers ahead at 8:29 in the second period with a power-play goal, redirecting a pass from Zibanejad. Guenther evened the score four minutes later by capitalizing on a rebound from Quick, marking his 21st goal this season. Trocheck briefly regained the lead for the Rangers with another power-play tally, deflecting Panarin’s shot past Weimelka.
Shesterkin appeared to injure his foot awkwardly while trying to avoid contact with Mammoth forward JJ Peterka near the crease. Though Peterka did not make contact, Shesterkin was visibly in pain and was assisted off the ice. This incident marked the first time Jonathan Quick has substituted for a goalie in the Rangers’ 44 games this season.
Upcoming games see the Mammoths traveling to Ottawa on Wednesday, while the Rangers host Buffalo on Thursday.
Fan Take: This thrilling overtime victory for the Mammoths highlights the intensity and unpredictability of hockey, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. With key players injured and crucial games ahead, this matchup could signal shifting dynamics in both teams’ seasons and add exciting twists to the sport’s storyline.
