Utah Mammoth Need More Consistency From Their Goaltenders

Because of Utah’s defensive struggles, it’s difficult to put all the blame on their goalies. Although the Mammoth allow the fewest shots on goal per game in the NHL, they still allow the 18th most goals per game. However, having two goalies below a .900 save percentage certainly makes the season more challenging. Plays like in the clip above just can’t happen. Vejmelka was in a good position, but the puck squeaked right under his glove side.

Vejmelka and Vanecek need to square up to shots and make sure everything is closed, not allowing the puck to trickle in. But, none of that matters if the Mammoth don’t address their team defence.

How Can Utah’s Defence Improve

The first thing that needs to improve is team defence. The Mammoth have been giving up way too many goals due to defensive lapses. That means Utah is turning the puck over in dangerous areas and leaving their goalies out to dry. They need to make cleaner passes to avoid giving it away, and stop just reaching with sticks. Instead, keep the feet moving and stay with a man.

In this video above, Vejmelka didn’t stand much of a chance. Nick Schmaltz made a backhand pass to an unsuspecting Ian Cole, but the puck went right through his legs. Then, it took a bad hop past Kevin Stenlund and ended up on the stick of the goal scorer, Jamie Benn. Currently, the defence continues to give Vejmelka little to no help. Costly turnovers continue to bite Utah and Vejmelka is the one paying for them.

Most recently, Vejmelka was pulled and replaced by Vanecek in Utah’s loss to the San Jose Sharks after allowing three goals on ten shots in the first period. This wasn’t to punish Vejmelka, but head coach Andre Tourigny trying to wake his team up. That plan failed as the goals kept coming, with the Mammoth losing 6-3.

Could a Trade be Explored

Another potential route the Mammoth could look at is the trade market. Vejmelka signed his new extension just last March, but we already know general manager Bill Armstrong isn’t afraid to shake things up. Cole Bagley of KSL Sports mentioned Jordan Binnington and Juuse Saros as potential options if Utah decides to go that way. The St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators have played way below expectations this season, so they each could be willing to ship out their top goaltender.

Considering Vejmelka is signed, it’s unlikely, but not impossible. If the Mammoth continue to trend in the wrong direction and the numbers in goal aren’t satisfactory, Armstrong could look elsewhere.

Looking Ahead

The Mammoth will continue their California road trip and face the Anaheim Ducks. Utah comes in having lost four straight, while the Ducks have control of first place in the Pacific Division after defeating the Blues.