Sergachev's goal helps lift Utah Mammoth to 4-3 win over Florida Panthers

Mikhail Sergachev scored the game-winning goal in the third period as Utah held off a late Florida rally.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:23pm

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Mikhail Sergachev scored the go-ahead goal in the third period to lift the Utah Mammoth to a 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night. Nick Schmaltz, Sean Durzi, and Barrett Hayton also scored for the Mammoth, who have won 9 of their last 11 games. Sandis Vilmanis, Cole Schwindt, and Carter Verhaeghe scored for the Panthers, who saw their three-game winning streak snapped.

Why it matters

The Mammoth continue their strong play, winning another close game against a tough opponent in the Panthers. This keeps Utah in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference, while the loss is a setback for Florida's postseason aspirations in the East.

The details

Sergachev's goal with 8:55 left in the third period broke a 2-2 tie and proved to be the game-winner. Hayton added an empty-net goal late to make it 4-2 before Verhaeghe scored with 16 seconds left to pull the Panthers within one. Schmaltz opened the scoring with a short-handed goal in the first period, while Vilmanis scored his first NHL goal in the second to tie it. Vanecek made 25 saves for the Mammoth, while Bobrovsky stopped 16 shots for the Panthers.

  • Schmaltz scored a short-handed goal with 4:14 left in the first period.
  • Vilmanis scored his first NHL goal 2:52 into the second period.
  • Sergachev scored the game-winning goal with 8:55 remaining in the third period.
  • Hayton scored an empty-net goal with 56 seconds left in the third period.
  • Verhaeghe scored with 16 seconds remaining in the third period.

The players

Mikhail Sergachev

A defenseman for the Utah Mammoth who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Nick Schmaltz

A forward for the Utah Mammoth who scored a short-handed goal in the first period.

Sandis Vilmanis

A forward for the Florida Panthers who scored his first NHL goal in the second period.

Carter Verhaeghe

A forward for the Florida Panthers who scored a late goal to pull the team within one.

Vitek Vanecek

The goaltender for the Utah Mammoth who made 25 saves in the win.

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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 Mammoth will play their final game of a four-game road trip on Thursday night when they visit the Carolina team.

The takeaway

This was an important win for the Mammoth as they continue to battle for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The late goal by Verhaeghe made it close, but Utah was able to hold on for the victory.