Mammoth prevail in Delta Center reopening

The Utah Mammoth finally have a preseason win — and it came at a great time.

Thursday night was the Mammoth’s first home game since April, so giving the local crowd a good show was high on the to-do list. It was also their first game both using and facing a nearly NHL-caliber roster, so it was more indicative of the actual team than some of the previous contests.

The Mammoth’s win came by a score of 2-1. They successfully fended off a 40-second 5-on-3 and they held strong despite a late push by the Kings.

It’s also worth noting that it was the first public event at the Delta Center since the summer-long renovation — and the slopes are steep enough to ski on.

Though it could be dangerous to make that hike with a couple drinks in your hands, it makes for a great hockey-watching experience.

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Quick catch-up

Utah Mammoth: 2

Los Angeles Kings: 1

Coming into this game, Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg had been perfect at the Delta Center. In his one game in Utah in 2024-25, he posted a 31-save shutout as a member of the Ottawa Senators.

His perfect record didn’t last long, though. With five minutes left in the first period Thursday, Kevin Stenlund tipped a pass past his countryman and in the net, igniting the building for the first time since April.

However, Alex Turcotte tied it up with a point-blank wrist shot from the slot. It was Vítek Vaněček’s sole shortcoming of the night, though it was a goal in which you can’t really fault the goalie.

As a whole, Vaněček had an impressive showing. He made several big stops, including a straight-up slide-tackle on Adrian Kempe.

He said he’s trying to play an aggressive game.

“Trying to hunting the pucks,” he said through his Czech accent.

Lawson Crouse, who’s looking to bounce back this year, was the one who set Stenlund up for his goal. Then, in the second period, Crouse tallied one of his own.

Preseason points are quickly forgotten, but that doesn’t make them any less confidence-boosting for the player.

“I think (he’s had) a hell of a training camp, in every aspect,” said Mammoth head coach André Tourigny of Crouse. “In his toughness, in his leadership, in his details, on his focus, on his offense, everything.”

Crouse was glad to score, but it didn’t matter as much to him.

“It’s preseason, but at this point, everyone’s just trying to round out their game and get into the best position they can for opening night,” he said.

“We’ve got one more (preseason game). Whatever you have to do to get there, we’re going to do it.”

Goal of the game

Kevin Stenlund scores the first Delta Center goal of 2025-26

Stenlund’s deflection wasn’t fancy, per se, but it takes skill and quick thinking to make a play like that.

“He’s a guy who you can count on in big moments,” Tourigny said of Stenlund. “He was on the ice in Game 7 in the Stanley Cup (Final) when they were protecting the lead and they were short a man.

“(He’s) that kind of a man. You play him against (Anže) Kopitar all night long, he goes out there, he produces and he plays really well defensively. He’s a stabilizing force for us.”

Stenlund is beginning the final season of a two-year deal that pays him $2 million annually. Mammoth management’s only regret with him is probably that they didn’t sign him for longer, as he looks to be due a significant raise on his next contract.

Takeaways

Preseason results don’t matter, but habits and culture do. On Thursday, with the best roster they’ve used thus far (and facing their toughest competition yet), the Mammoth’s habits were on point.

Culture is built over time, so it’s far too early to evaluate it yet, but there are enough veterans and champions in the locker room that it shouldn’t be a problem.

Once the parade to the hospital is over, this should be an exciting team to watch.