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Nate Schmidt’s Historic Night: Utah Mammoth Extend Point Streak in Thrilling Win Over Kraken 2026

By Riley Adams

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Utah Mammoth

Nate Schmidt leads the Utah Mammoth to a 6-3 victory over the Seattle Kraken with a career-high four points. Discover how Utah extended their point streak to seven games!

The Delta Center was absolutely rocking this past Saturday as hockey fever continues to take over Salt Lake City. In a high-stakes Western Conference showdown, the Utah Mammoth proved once again that they are a force to be reckoned with, taking down the Seattle Kraken in a 6-3 thriller. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.

Game Highlights: Utah Mammoth vs. Seattle Kraken

FeatureDetails
Final ScoreUtah 6, Seattle 3
Player of the GameNate Schmidt (2G, 2A)
Winning Streak3 Consecutive Wins
Point Streak7 Games (6-0-1)
GoaltenderKarel Vejmelka (18 Saves)
VenueDelta Center, Salt Lake City

Nate Schmidt’s Historic Night at the Delta Center

If there was one name on everyone’s lips after the final horn, it was Nate Schmidt. The veteran defenseman turned back the clock, putting on a clinic that reminded everyone why he’s such a beloved figure in the locker room. Schmidt finished the night with two goals and two assists, matching his single-game NHL career high of four points.

One of those assists was particularly special, marking the 200th helper of his career. Schmidt now joins an elite group as only the third active undrafted defenseman to reach that milestone. His go-ahead goal with just 5:30 left in the third period broke a 3-3 tie and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. It was a classic “blue-collar” performance from a player coach André Tourigny described after the game as “exactly what you talk about when you talk about being a good pro.”

The Utah Mammoth’s Seven-Game Point Streak

Consistency is the name of the game in the NHL, and right now, the Utah Mammoth are the epitome of it. With this victory, the team has extended its point streak to seven games (6-0-1), marking their most successful stretch of the 2025-26 season so far. This hot streak has seen them climb the Central Division standings, firmly planting them in the mix for a prime playoff spot.

What makes this run impressive is the “committee” approach. While Schmidt stole the headlines on Saturday, the Utah Mammoth saw contributions up and down the lineup. Kevin Stenlund opened the scoring for Utah with a gritty short-handed goal, while Nick Schmaltz, Lawson Crouse, and Barrett Hayton all found the back of the net. This depth is becoming a hallmark of the team’s identity, making them a nightmare for opposing coaches to game-plan against.

Breaking Down the Game: Momentum Swings and Resilience

The game didn’t start exactly how Utah wanted. Seattle’s Jordan Eberle silenced the crowd just 69 seconds in with a quick backhand goal. However, the Utah Mammoth showed their characteristic resilience, answering back almost immediately. Despite a shaky first few minutes, Karel Vejmelka stood tall in net, making 18 saves and providing the stability the team needed to find their rhythm.

The second period was a seesaw battle. Utah took a 3-1 lead early on, but the Kraken refused to go away. Matty Beniers and Chandler Stephenson scored late in the frame to tie it up at 3-3 heading into the final twenty minutes. In seasons past, a young team might have panicked after blowing a two-goal lead. Instead, the Utah Mammoth stayed poised, dominated the third period, and scored three unanswered goals to seal the win.

Looking Ahead: Can Utah Keep the Magic Alive?

With the win, the Utah Mammoth (25-20-4) have proven they can beat the teams they are racing with for postseason position. Seattle coach Lane Lambert expressed frustration with his team’s late-game collapses, but for Utah, those late-game heroics are becoming a habit. The chemistry between stars like Clayton Keller—who added two assists—and the veteran core is clicking at exactly the right time.

The team now looks forward to a busy schedule, but they do so with a massive amount of confidence. Defensemen have now scored the game-winning goal in five of Utah’s last six victories, highlighting a mobile and aggressive back end that isn’t afraid to join the rush. If this level of play continues, the Delta Center might be hosting playoff hockey much sooner than anyone expected.

Conclusion

The victory over Seattle was more than just another two points; it was a celebration of a team finding its soul in a new city. Between Nate Schmidt’s milestone night and the continued dominance of the top lines, the Utah Mammoth are officially one of the hottest teams in hockey. As they continue this seven-game point streak, the rest of the league is starting to realize that the road to the Western Conference playoffs might just run through Salt Lake City.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who led the scoring for the Utah Mammoth against the Kraken?

Nate Schmidt led the team with four points (2 goals, 2 assists), followed by Lawson Crouse, who had a goal and two assists.

2. How long is the current point streak for the Utah Mammoth?

Following the win against Seattle, the Utah Mammoth have a seven-game point streak with a record of 6-0-1 during that span.

3. What milestone did Nate Schmidt reach in this game?

Nate Schmidt recorded his 200th career NHL assist, becoming the third active undrafted defenseman to reach the milestone.

4. Who is the head coach of the Utah Mammoth?

The team is currently led by head coach André Tourigny, who has praised the team’s resilience and professional approach during their recent winning stretch.

5. When is the next Utah Mammoth home game?

The Utah Mammoth are scheduled to host the Philadelphia Flyers at the Delta Center this coming Wednesday night.

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