Main Story: Utah’s hot start is powered by a league-leading power play and four skaters already producing at a 20-point pace. The biggest shift from last season: instead of cycling the puck without creating chances, the Mammoth are shooting—and getting results. Sustaining that offense and adding depth in difficult games could determine whether they reach the playoffs.

By the Numbers
  • Utah is 10-6-1 and second in the Central Division after 17 games.
  • Four Mammoth skaters have at least 20 points: Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Nick Schmaltz and Mikhail Sergachev.
  • Utah’s power play is converting at 38.3%, the NHL’s best rate; it converted at 20% last season.
  • Dylan Guenther has five power-play goals, while Schmaltz has seven.
Yes, But

A dominant power play is a major advantage, but it may not be enough on its own. Utah still needs reliable depth and ways to win tough games, including during demanding road trips.

State of Play
  • The Mammoth are near the top of the Central Division early in the season.
  • More direct shooting has helped turn a previously unproductive power play into the NHL’s best.
  • Cooley is playing the strongest stretch of his young career, while Sergachev and Schmaltz are contributing on the man advantage.
Bottom Line

Utah’s power play has transformed from a weakness into a potential playoff-driving strength. The next test is whether the team can maintain that production and find enough depth to win when the special teams edge isn’t there.