Clayton Keller #9 of the Utah Mammoth celebrates his game winning over time goal against the Edmonton Oilers at the Delta Center on April 7, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Despite a winless record against Edmonton over the past two seasons, the Utah Mammoth finally bested the Oilers on Tuesday night in what turned out to be a thrilling barn burner at the Delta Center.
In addition to multiple lead changes and more than 10 goals between the two teams, Clayton Keller called game in overtime as he snuck one past Tristan Jarry to send the Mammoth faithful into a full on frenzy.
What a game, eh?
11 goals, three lead changes, four ties, and an electric OT winner by the captain to send Connor McDavid and Co. back to Edmonton with a loss and a lot to think about.
But aside from theatrics, what exactly did it take for Utah to finally slay McGoliath?
Grit, determination, resilience and belief that they would eventually get the job done.
“It was a fun game,” Nick Schmaltz explained. “We got down early. I thought we were still playing well, even after the first period. We gave them some looks that they capitalized on, but we stuck with it all game.”
“We had a feeling that we were going to come back. So, great win. It was fun to be a part of, and it was a great atmosphere out that.”
As Schmaltz pointed out, Utah had to dig themselves out of a fairly significant hole as they trailed by two early in the first period.
Why?
They allowed Edmonton to dictate the pace, got caught flatfooted multiple times and could not assert themselves in the offensive zone as the Oilers constantly disrupted them.
Light ’em up, Lazar 🚨 #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/Nyk5ex9Zj6
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 8, 2026
McNasty 🤢 #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/K2nbiQaH7v
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 8, 2026
Nuge it all along 😌 #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/HxP9GsQAjJ
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 8, 2026
So, what changed?
As they had already done twice over the last week, Utah fought back with unwavering belief.
Rather than folding or rolling over, Utah dug their heels in, got back to their game, and offered one of the most resilient efforts in their existence.
That involved reasserting themselves on the forecheck, pinning Edmonton in their own zone, winning battles, utilizing their speed and simply playing Mammoth hockey to effectively break down the defense.
Schmaltzy makes it a one goal game! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/1aNTlwLvpn
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) April 8, 2026
Cools IS that guy 👏 pic.twitter.com/tXeKIrXPKb
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) April 8, 2026
🗣️SCHMALTZY SHORTY! pic.twitter.com/1vGnhBpEkb
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) April 8, 2026
Kerfy ties it up and the @deltacenter goes WILD! pic.twitter.com/veqQKKZKeK
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) April 8, 2026
CAP CALLED GAME. pic.twitter.com/ZlWovuvrP2
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) April 8, 2026
“I think we stuck with it all game, obviously being down 3-1, and I still feel like we were playing good hockey. A couple of bounces here and there, but just part of the way that we stuck with it,” Keller explained.
“We had a big push in the third. We were playing our style of hockey. We get the goal there, and then we keep pressing. We don’t sit back and back up. It’s a good step in the right direction, and still got some games left, so it’s a huge win.”
That’s what it takes for the Mammoth to be at their very best, and that’s also the type of effort it requires to come out on top against the Oilers.
It’s rarely pretty and usually requires a plethora of goals as the Oilers are simply too quick and dangerous to keep quiet.
But for the Mammoth, that win was significant.
In addition to bettering their chances of clinching a playoff spot, they also proved to themselves that they’re capable of beating Edmonton which could prove to be critical as the two teams are on a trajectory to meet in the first round.
“We want it to be tough to play here,” Schmaltz explained. “I mean, it’s super loud. It’s a fun environment to be a part of. So glad we got that win for the fans, and hopefully we can continue that down the stretch here.”
The Utah Mammoth will continue their three-game homestand against the Nashville Predators on Thursday night at 7 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).
