Mammoth Beat Panthers in Tight Game Marred by Embellishment Calls

Utah's Vanecek makes 25 saves as Florida's Tkachuk and Rodrigues penalized for diving

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:07pm

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The Florida Panthers fell 4-3 to the Utah Mammoth in a tight game that saw both Evan Rodrigues and Matthew Tkachuk called for embellishment in the third period. Utah goalie Vitek Vanecek made 25 saves to snap a 10-game losing streak and earn his first win since October. The Panthers trailed by a goal in the first and second periods before Sandis Vilmanis scored his first NHL goal to tie it. Florida also lost center Anton Lundell to injury in the second period.

Why it matters

The embellishment calls on Rodrigues and Tkachuk were controversial and could raise questions about officiating and player conduct in the NHL. The loss also hurts the Panthers' standings position as they look to make a playoff push.

The details

Utah took a 1-0 lead in the first period on a shorthanded goal by Nick Schmaltz. Vilmanis tied it early in the second with his first NHL goal, but the Mammoth regained the lead later in the period on goals from Sean Durzi and Jack McBain. Cole Schwindt tied it at 2-2 before Durzi put Utah up 3-2 in the third. Barrett Hayton added an empty-net goal for the Mammoth, but Carter Verhaeghe scored late to make it 4-3.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
  • Vilmanis scored his first NHL goal in the second period.
  • Rodrigues and Tkachuk were called for embellishment in the third period.
  • Lundell left the game after the second period with an injury.

The players

Vitek Vanecek

The Utah Mammoth goaltender made 25 saves to earn the win, snapping a 10-game losing streak.

Evan Rodrigues

The Florida Panthers forward was called for embellishment in the third period.

Matthew Tkachuk

The Florida Panthers forward was also called for embellishment in the third period.

Sandis Vilmanis

The Florida Panthers forward scored his first NHL goal in the second period to tie the game.

Anton Lundell

The Florida Panthers center left the game after the second period with an injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Panthers will travel to St. Louis to face the Blues on their next game. The team will provide an update on Anton Lundell's status before the game.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the ongoing issue of embellishment in the NHL, which can lead to controversial calls and impact the outcome of close games. The Panthers' loss also puts them in a tougher position in the standings as they try to make a playoff push.