Maple Leafs use strong third quarter to defeat Mammoths 5-3 – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Utah Mammoths again tonight. They come into this game with a two-game winning streak and looking to make it three. As for the Mammoths, they are one of the hottest teams in the league so far, with a 9-4 record and an eight-game winning streak.
This game is a real test for Toronto, which is still trying to shake off a slow start to the 2025-26 season. Utah, on the other hand, just keeps finding ways to win and wants to keep the momentum going.
Now, a recap of tonight’s game.
game review
First issue:
The feel of the first quarter was similar to what it felt like earlier in the week against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was fast and both sides had chances, but it was the Mammoths who scored first with a goal from Michael Carcone. Utah’s speed and skill were on full display early. They win games, release the puck, put a lot of pressure on the front check and throw everything they can to the net.
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Toronto’s defense was cleaner than it has been in recent games, though. This was something they could build on even though they were 1-0 down at halftime.
Second issue:
The rhythm of the second song is basically the same. The Maple Leafs have struggled in the middle of the field this season, and that’s something a team like Utah State is trying to exploit. But through the first ten minutes, Toronto held its ground and looked more composed than usual. That effort paid off when William Nylander jumped on a loose puck in front and tied the game. Soon after, Auston Matthews scored a buzzer-beater from the left circle to give Toronto a 2-1 lead. The goal seemed to wake up both benches and the game got underway.
Utah responded with more rushing opportunities and a power play with about nine minutes left in the quarter. They create a look but fail to translate. They regained the lead just as the penalty expired, but it was empty again. Soon after, however, Mikhail Sergachev scored to level the score at two. The score was still 2-2 at the end of the period, although Jack McBain recklessly converted a penalty kick at the final buzzer to get the Maple Leafs going on a strong start to the third period.
The third issue:
The Maple Leafs took the lead on PP at the start of the third quarter, but the Mammoths did a great job of eliminating their opponents and keeping the game tied. From there, there was plenty of back-and-forth in the first half of the third period until John Tavares scored, his 500th career goal that night. His goal gave Toronto a 3-2 lead with 11 minutes remaining.
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The Maple Leafs extended their lead to 4-2 after former Mammoth forward Mathias Mercieri scored his first goal of the season. With 3:55 left in the game, the Mammoths stretched their goalie, giving them a man advantage to try and try. Unfortunately, the good times didn’t last long as Matthew Ness scored an empty-net goal to extend the lead to 5-3. Dylan Guenther took the lead with a solo shot past Antony Stolarz with a minute left in the game. 5-3. So, with 45 seconds left in the game, the Mammoths got a goal back for the second time, but their time ran out and the Maple Leafs won the game 5-3.
