LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 19: Clayton Keller #9 of the Utah Mammoth scores his second goal of the first period against Adin Hill #33 of the Vegas Golden Knights during their game at T-Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Mammoth hit the jackpot in Las Vegas on Thursday as they shutout the Golden Knights in commanding fashion to claim two more critical points down the stretch.
Following an explosive first period with three goals in the first 10 minutes, the Mammoth weathered every storm through the remaining two periods to maintain the shutout and depart Sin City as unexpected victors.
The Mammoth had the hot hand in Las Vegas on Thursday as they scorched the Knight’s net with three goals on their first three shots.
Registering a better shooting percentage than most college basketball teams in the NCAA tournament to begin the contest, Utah caught Vegas off guard with their speed, finesse and a suffocating forecheck.
Despite an initial buzz from Vegas immediately after the puck dropped in the first period, Utah quickly responded with three goals on three consecutive shots.
Utilizing their speed, the Mammoth were opportunistic as they moved swiftly throughout the offensive zone, skated to the open space, went tape to tape on their passes and buried the first few Grade A scoring chances.
After Clayton Keller kicked things off with a beautifully crafted chip over goaltender Adin Hill, the captain kept things going as he roofed another on the backdoor to give Utah a 2-0 lead six minutes into the game.
Just two minutes later, Jack McBain then forced an early goaltender change for the Knights as he buried one from the slot off the rush to send Hill to the bench.
While the fourth and final goal didn’t come until Vegas pulled their backup goaltender for an extra attacker late in the third, Utah had already taken care of business with an overwhelming first frame that proved to be insurmountable.
Registering the most shots by a losing team in a shutout this season, it was just one of those games for the Vegas Golden Knights against Utah.
Despite outshooting the Mammoth 28-18 with a plethora of dangerous opportunities and lengthy offensive zone possessions, the hockey gods simply refused to let the Knights score.
In addition to a superb performance by Karel Vejmelka, No. 70 was bailed out by his teammates and the plumbing on several instances as they too made some critical saves.
Now, to be fair, Vegas never once waved the white flag against Utah.
Rather, they continuously pressured the Mammoth in their own zone with a ferocious forecheck, punishing hits, swift passes and a collection of dangerous shots in close.
However, Vejmelka, his defensemen and the pipes had an answer for every single one.
When the Knights attacked off the rush, the veteran D executed to perfection by denying the outlet pass.
If the defense managed to break down, No. 70 was there to slam the door as he stopped one-timers from Jack Eichel, deep shots by Mitch Marner and even had an answer for Mark Stone on the doorstep.
And if the Knights happened to beat both, the post was there to say no more than once.
As many goaltenders would admit, shutouts often require a collective team effort, not just the man between the pipes.
Not to take away from how good Vejmelka was as he and Utah’s defensemen weathered the storm, but the post should’ve been listed with a shutout as well as the Knights simply couldn’t beat it.
Regardless, Utah will take the 4-0 win as it keeps them firmly in the top wild card spot (78 points) with just 13 games to go.
The Utah Mammoth will begin a four game homestand against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night at 8 p.m. MT.
The game will be available on Mammoth+.
All Mammoth games will also be broadcast live on the KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM/1280 AM).
