The Dallas Stars are in Salt Lake City tonight aiming for a fourth straight victory. Can Jason Robertson and the Stars outlast the Utah Mammoth in this high-stakes Central Division showdown?
The Central Division race is reaching a boiling point, and tonight’s clash at the Delta Center is exactly why hockey fans love the mid-season grind. The Dallas Stars are rolling into Utah with a swagger, riding a three-game winning streak defined by late-game heroics and sheer resilience. On the other side, the Utah Mammoth are looking to shake off a heartbreaking last-minute loss and prove that their home ice is a fortress that no visitor can easily conquer.
Game Day Preview: Stars vs. Mammoth
| Feature | Details |
| Matchup | Dallas Stars at Utah Mammoth |
| Date & Time | Saturday, Jan 31, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Stars Record | 31-14-9 (69 Points) |
| Mammoth Record | 28-22-4 (60 Points) |
| Season Series | Tied 1-1 |
| TV Channel | ESPN+ / Utah 16 |
The Dallas Stars’ Late-Game Magic
If there is one thing we have learned about the Dallas Stars lately, it’s that you can never count them out until the final horn sounds. During their current three-game winning streak, Dallas has turned “clutch” into a lifestyle. Whether it was Jason Robertson’s goal with a minute left to sink the Blues or their recent 5-4 shootout escape against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Stars are finding ways to win when the pressure is highest.
In that wild game against Vegas, the Dallas Stars actually blew a three-goal lead in the third period before regrouping to win in the shootout. Head coach Glen Gulutzan hasn’t been shy about praising his team’s mental toughness. He noted that in a league full of comebacks, being “comfortable in tight games” is what separates the contenders from the pretenders. With Mavrik Bourque coming off his first career multi-goal game, the Dallas Stars’ depth is looking scarier than ever.
Utah Mammoth: Defending the Mountains
The Utah Mammoth are arguably one of the most improved teams in the Western Conference this season. Before a shocking loss to Carolina on Thursday—where they surrendered three goals in the final two minutes—Utah had won six of their previous seven games. That hot stretch included a gritty 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars right here in Salt Lake City back on January 15.
Coach André Tourigny was vocal after the Carolina loss, stressing that his team became “passive” instead of “patient.” For the Utah Mammoth to win tonight, they need to return to the disciplined, aggressive style that saw them beat the Stars earlier this month. With Karel Vejmelka leading the NHL in wins (25) and Clayton Keller consistently producing at a point-per-game pace, Utah has all the tools to play spoiler once again.
A Central Division Rivalry Reborn
This marks the third meeting of the season between these two rivals, and the season series is currently split down the middle. The Dallas Stars won the first battle 4-3 in Texas, while the Utah Mammoth took the rematch in Utah. Historically, the Stars have held a 4-2-0 advantage since the team relocated to Salt Lake City, but that gap is closing fast.
The matchup features a fascinating contrast in styles. The Dallas Stars boast the NHL’s second-ranked power play, converting at nearly 30%. However, the Utah Mammoth have one of the most disciplined defensive units in the league, ranking 6th in goals allowed. If Dallas gets into penalty trouble, expect Utah’s opportunistic offense to take full advantage of the home crowd’s energy.
Key Players to Watch
For the visitors, all eyes are on Jason Robertson. “Robo” has been sensational, sitting near the top of the league with 31 goals and 63 points. His ability to find space in the “dirty areas” makes him a nightmare for opposing defensemen. Alongside him, Mikko Rantanen has been a force on the man advantage, ensuring the Dallas Stars’ offense remains a constant threat.
For the Utah Mammoth, the spotlight is on Karel Vejmelka. Despite a high-scoring game on Thursday, Vejmelka has been a brick wall for most of January, posting a save percentage north of .900. If he can frustrate the Dallas Stars early, it will force the visitors to take risks that Utah’s speedy transition game—led by Dylan Guenther and Nick Schmaltz—is perfectly built to exploit.
Conclusion: Will the Streak Continue?
Tonight’s game is more than just two points in the standings; it’s a test of identity for both clubs. The Dallas Stars want to prove they can dominate on the road and maintain their position near the top of the Central Division. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth are desperate to show that they can close out games against elite competition. If the Dallas Stars can find their third-period magic one more time, they’ll secure that fourth straight win. But if the Utah Mammoth remain patient and rely on Vejmelka’s steady hand, we could be in for another Salt Lake City upset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current winning streak for the Dallas Stars?
The Dallas Stars enter tonight’s game with a three-game winning streak, having defeated the Blues (twice) and the Golden Knights.
2. Where can I watch the Stars vs. Mammoth game?
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN+ and locally on Utah 16, starting at 9 p.m. ET.
3. Who won the last meeting between these two teams?
The Utah Mammoth won the most recent meeting 2-1 on January 15, 2026, at the Delta Center.
4. How many points does Jason Robertson have this season?
Jason Robertson currently leads the Dallas Stars with 63 points (31 goals and 32 assists) through 54 games.
5. What is the home record for the Utah Mammoth lately?
The Utah Mammoth have been excellent at home recently, winning six of their last eight games at the Delta Center before their road trip.
