Key Moments
The Calgary Flames fell to the Utah Mammoth 3-1 in a hard-fought battle at the Delta Center on Wednesday night. The Mammoth, playing their home opener, struck first as forward Ryan Lomberg scored early in the opening period to give the home team a 1-0 lead.
The Flames battled back, outshooting the Mammoth 12-4 in the third period, but were unable to find the equalizer. Utah's Barrett Hayton and JJ Peterka scored in the second period to extend the Mammoth's lead to 3-1, which they would hold onto for the victory.
Player Impact
Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka was the star of the night, making 19 saves to secure the win for the home team. Flames netminder Devin Cooley also played well, stopping 29 of 31 shots faced.
On the offensive end, Peterka's goal proved to be the game-winner for Utah. Flames forward Matt Coronato had several quality chances but was unable to beat Vejmelka. Veteran center Nazem Kadri was held off the scoresheet for Calgary.
Takeaways
The loss drops the Flames to 1-4-0 on the young season, while the Mammoth improve to 2-2-0 after a season-opening road trip. Utah head coach Andre Tourigny praised his team's resilience after surrendering the early goal, saying they "stuck to our game plan throughout the whole 60 minutes."
For the Flames, the defeat marks their fourth straight loss and raises more questions about the team's slow start under head coach Ryan Huska. Rasmus Andersson acknowledged the penalties were a major factor, noting "it's going to be a hard game to win when you take six minors."
TL;DR
- Mammoth defeat Flames 3-1 in home opener
- Vejmelka's 19 saves lead Utah to victory
- Flames struggle with penalties, drop fourth straight
- Peterka and Hayton score for Mammoth in second period
- Coronato, Kadri held off scoresheet for Calgary