^{Can Utah’s high flying offense overcome Winnipeg’s Superman in net?}
Don’t look now, but your lovable wooly beasts are sitting on top of the mountain. For the first time in franchise history, Utah is leading not only the Central Division, but is tops in the Western Conference. Utah is first in wins, points, and points percentage in the West, and tied with New Jersey for most wins of this young season. Utah also leads the division (and tied for league lead) in goal differential, with 12 more goals scored than they’ve given up.

Utah is in the midst of their record breaking 6 game win streak, extending the previous record with a win in Minnesota over the Wild. Today, however, the Mammoth face what can arguably be the toughest match of the year so far for this young squad.

Winnipeg’s start to the season is where you would expect. They are on pace with their trajectory last year – a president’s trophy winning beast of a team that will have their goaltending suffocate you to death. Winnipeg is powered by back-to-back Vezina winning goalie, Connor Hellebuyck. Last year marked his third trophy since 2020. To say he’s going to be a challenge is an understatement.

He has a lifetime save percentage of nearly .920% and 2.55 goals against, as of today, will start against Utah with his somehow better than normal stats at .932% and just 2.01 GA.

Utah counters with Logan Cooley and Nick Schmaltz, who have combined for 8 goals in the last two games. With two high-scoring lines in Utah’s arsenal, this could be a case of unstoppable force meets immovable object.

Winnipeg has been perfect on the road, but has lost 2 at home. Can Utah make it their third loss? Will Winnipeg snap the historic win streak? Tune in 4 PM and find out who deserves to rule the Central (at least for now) at 4PM local.

Key points to secure a victory tonight:

Stay out of the box. Utah faced a tough Wild team with an extremely potent offense. Winnipeg isn’t scoring at 30+%, but at 25% – and with Connor Hellebuyck in net – one goal against could be all it takes.

With the Jets likely to not give up a 6 or 7 goal against performance, every goal is that much more important. Utah needs to make Winnipeg earn every goal they get.

Force Connor Hellebuyck to make mistakes If Utah can convince Hellebuyck this is a playoff game, they have a chance to see Clark Kent. However, it’s still too warm in Manitoba. Expect the Superman persona.

He isn’t infallible, however, and he’s prone to overcommitting just a tad if he needs to move laterally. This is more seen moving right-to-left, and historically shots more to his left (shooter right) are slightly more difficult for him. By slightly, though, we’re talking about a difference between a .900 and .905 percentage from the slot to the dot.

Utah beat Helly twice last year, scoring 9 goals in those wins (2 EN), so he has given up some goals to this potent Utah offense that has only improved with the addition of JJ Peterka, and the maturation of the young guns.

Counter goaltending with goaltending Vitek’s getting the start tonight after Vejmelka’s stellar performance in Minnesota, and he’s coming in to the toughest matchup he’s faced in quite a long time. Winnipeg’s strength is goaltending, certainly, but their offense isn’t something to ignore either. With 14 goals 5v5, they’re more potent than the Wild were at even strength, and with a strong (25%) power play, Winnipeg can hurt you quickly.

Vanecek’s been posting a 2.00 GAA with Utah so far, and we’ll need him to keep that trend going if Utah’s expected to stay in it.

Expected Lineup:

Game time 4PM local.

TUSKS UP!