SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Nick Schmaltz delivered his second hat trick of the season and contributed two assists, finishing with five points in the Utah Mammoth’s 6-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Monday night.
This marked Schmaltz’s third career NHL hat trick, bringing his season total to 22 points, just one shy of his personal best set during the 2021-22 season against Arizona.
JJ Peterka notched his 20th point this season, John Marino recorded a goal and two assists, and Mikhail Sergachev also scored, helping Utah snap a two-game losing streak. Karel Weimelka made 21 saves in goal.
Schmaltz scored twice in the first period to put Utah ahead 2-1. Sergachev scored on a power play, while Marino and Peterka pushed the lead to 5-1. Schmaltz completed his hat trick by converting a pass from Clayton Keller with 7:38 remaining in the third period.
For Vancouver, Liam Ogren and Teddy Blueger each found the net. Kevin Lankinen made 14 saves.
Vancouver has managed only two wins in their last 18 games—both narrow 3-2 shootout losses to Toronto during an eight-game home stretch that ended Saturday.
Next up, the Canucks will face a postponed game against Vegas on Wednesday before the Olympic break. Meanwhile, the Mammoth are set to host Detroit Wednesday night in their final game prior to the Olympics pause.
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
Fan Take: While this is hockey news, it underscores the value of standout individual performances like Schmaltz’s that can energize a team’s momentum—something basketball fans can appreciate in their own game. It also highlights how players stepping up during critical stretches can change a team’s fortunes, a dynamic crucial to both hockey and basketball.
