The Utah Mammoth announced their campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling the Chicago Blackhawks 6-0 in Thursday’s season opener to set the tone for an 84-game grind.
Fourteen players recorded points, with all three recent acquisitions contributing, marking the franchise’s third consecutive home-opening victory in its third season. Here are some takeaways from Thursday’s game.
Guenther Continues Annual Opening-Goal Tradition
Dylan Guenther continued his annual tradition by firing the Mammoth’s opening goal for the third consecutive season — a feat that has become expected rather than surprising.
“As long as we win the first game of the year, but I cannot say there’s much shock,” head coach André Tourigny said.
Should this trend persist, Guenther will notch the opening goal once again; the power-play marker came via a shot from the top of the faceoff circle.
Logan Cooley and Clayton Keller assisted on the play.
New season, same Gunner pic.twitter.com/J5jIyXUi7y
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) October 2, 2026
Guenther emphasized the importance of momentum: “I want to get off to a good start. It feels good to get going early and to get a win early like this; the right way is a good feeling.”
Though Guenther and Cooley reunited for a third straight season, they gained a new complementary piece in Anders Lee.
Lee bridged the speed of the younger forwards with defensive reliability, generating transition opportunities through aggressive puck retrieval and supplying the physicality that Kailer Yamamoto offered less effectively last season.
“He had a good forecheck,” Guenther said. “I think he cross-checked that one in and broke his branch on it too, so he’s got a really good hand on him. I feel like he’s knocking pucks down everywhere, and that’s gonna help us a ton.”
The trio could evolve into Utah’s most formidable forward line, combining youth and speed with the structured, physical presence that elevates the entire unit.
Guenther doubled his tally with a second power-play goal, lending credibility to the notion that a 50-goal season is within reach — at least if this level of production continues.
Newcomers Make Immediate Impact
Lee extended his impact beyond the third line by tipping an Andrew Peeke blast past the goalie for his first goal in a Mammoth uniform.
“Andy was really good,” Tourigny said. “He went at the net. He had a great presence. Asked the right questions. Carried himself the right way. Really liked what he brought.”
ANDERS LEE TALLIES HIS FIRST WITH THE MAMMOTH!!!
4-0, Utah. pic.twitter.com/dusyijvShX
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) October 2, 2026
Vincent Trocheck made his presence felt in both special teams units, particularly on the penalty kill, where his puck-clearing and defensive positioning stood out.
At center ice, Trocheck won 78.6% of his faceoffs, second only to Jack McBain, and recorded his first assist as a Mammoth on Nick Schmaltz’s goal.
“Great leadership by both of them,” Keller said. “Two very smart hockey players, and they’re easy to read off of. Both of them are only going to get better, more comfortable. It’s a completely different system team. I thought they did a great job tonight, and both had great games for sure.”
Andrew Peeke played an agitating, disruptive role, drawing a penalty with a late hit and logging two overall hits while adding an assist on Lee’s goal.
Peeke partnered with rookie Dmitri Simashev, who recorded an assist in just his 29th NHL game, forming an effective defensive duo.
Keller had previous experience with Peeke, providing context for the chemistry on display.
“He played super heavy,” Keller noted. “He moves the puck really well, and I played with him at the World Championship a couple of years ago. He’s just a great guy, great teammate.”
Beyond the box score, each newcomer contributed meaningfully, reinforcing the value of Armstrong’s offseason acquisitions.
Dominance Sets the Tone
Additional notes: 14 players recorded points — a franchise record — including Simashev and Daniil But, who shared the ice for the first time. But registered a point despite limited fourth-line deployment.
Smooth like BUTter
6-0, Utah. pic.twitter.com/rvBXI1A9se
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) October 2, 2026
Karel Vejmelka earned the franchise’s first shutout at the Delta Center, though the stat was aided by limiting Chicago to just 15 shots. Regardless, the milestone provided momentum for the locker room.
“He played well, and we played well defensively in front of him,” Guenther said. “It’s in the back of our minds in the third, so we don’t want to give them anything easy. He played solid, and our defense and PK were really good.”
The power play converted twice on three chances, a promising sign against a rebuilding Blackhawks squad that shouldn’t be overstated given the context.
Utah dominated faceoffs at 72.2%, a figure that typically correlates with sustained puck possession and territorial control.
“It matters in the game,” Tourigny said. “That was huge. I think in the first period, we were pressing them. We were winning draws and sustaining pressure. I think those moments were really important. Special teams winning big draws and stuff like that helped. It was big today.”
Ian Cole returned to Salt Lake City for the first time since joining Chicago this summer and received a warm reception from the home faithful.
The Mammoth welcomed back Ian Cole who up until tonight had appeared in every single Mammoth game as a member of Utah. #TusksUp pic.twitter.com/AIgqspxAfi
— Chase Beardsley (@ChaseBeardsley_) October 2, 2026
While the 6-0 result won’t repeat weekly against tougher road opponents, the performance illustrated the roster’s potential.
With 83 games remaining, the Mammoth established early optimism while acknowledging the marathon ahead.
“It’s a good start,” Keller said. “Obviously, it’s a start that you want to have, especially a big one like that, and now we’ve got to keep it going. Short memory, learn from the mistakes in the game tonight, and go on this road trip.”
Utah returns to the road Monday against Columbus, who defeated Buffalo 6-3. The clubs last met in March when Cooley scored the overtime winner in a 5-4 thriller.