Lightning outlasts Mammoth as both goaltenders shine

TAMPA BAY — Utah's franchise record nine-game point streak came to an end after a dazzling display from two of the hottest goaltenders in the league took place Monday night.

Andrei Vasilevskiy was brilliant, stopping every Utah shot, where he totaled 28 saves in the Lightning's 2-0 victory over the Mammoth. The 2019 Vezina trophy winner made plenty of spectacular saves to shut the door on a Utah comeback while he collected his 42nd career shutout.

Both teams entered the contest as two of the hottest teams in the NHL, with each team going 8-1-1 over the last 10 games. Tampa Bay took advantage of the man advantage, scoring two power play goals on four chances to get the edge over the Mammoth.

In a game with opportunities that were few and far between, Utah failed to capitalize and missed plenty of chances to find the back of the net.

"It's a team on the other side that's really stingy; they don't give anything," Utah head coach Andre Tourigny said. "Unfortunately, too many timely penalties. I think that cost us the game."

The Mammoth had four power plays of their own, but its special teams struggled, going 0-for-4 and allowing two goals on the penalty kill.

Playing at an elite level, as well, Karel Vejmelka held his own for much of the game. Vejmelka did what he could to give Utah a chance but inopportune penalties made the difference Monday night.

"He played great, he played awesome for us," Ian Cole said. "Enough can't be said for how he's played recently and how he's kinda been our backbone here through this positive stretch."

Down by one goal with 2:31 left in regulation, a penalty was called on the Mammoth. The penalty cost Utah precious time as it wasn't able to successfully kill the penalty; however, despite an strong effort from Vejmelka, Brandon Hagel was able to take advantage of the penalty and put the nail in the coffin with his goal.

Hagel's goal on the man advantage was the second of two power play goals. Darren Raddysh scored the first one in the second period after his slapshot that blew past Vejmelka.

"Obviously disappointed that we lost, but overall I think that we were happy with our intention and desperation in that game, so I think there's a lot of things that we can take from that, that were positive," Cole said.

It was a physical game throughout with plenty of penalties and late hits to go around. Defenseman Sean Durzi took exception with Declan Carlile after he put Durzi in a headlock as both of them were fighting for position near the goal.

Even with critical errors and less-than-stellar special teams, the Mammoth proved that they could hang with one of the top teams in the league, and a team with championship experience.

It wasn't the result they wanted but with plenty of good opponents still looming this week, Utah can build off this performance as they look to correct mistakes and pick up some important wins.

"It was a good game, obviously they are a good team that capitalized on a couple chances, we did not capitalize on a couple of our chances and that's the way it goes," Cole said. "If we play a similar game, we'll win a lot of hockey games going forward."

The Mammoth will have a quick turnaround with a matchup against the Panthers coming Tuesday.

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