Mammoth's Nick Schmaltz scores twice, including in OT to edge Kings

Utah Mammoth beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in overtime

Mar. 23, 2026 at 9:49am

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Nick Schmaltz scored his second goal of the game 1:46 into overtime to lead the Utah Mammoth to a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday night in Salt Lake City. Lawson Crouse had two goals and an assist for the Mammoth, who hold the first wild-card spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference. Quinton Byfield had a goal and an assist for the Kings, who trail the Nashville Predators by two points for the second wild-card spot.

Why it matters

This game was a crucial matchup between two teams fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. The Mammoth's overtime win keeps them in the first wild-card spot, while the Kings' loss drops them further behind in the race for the final playoff spot.

The details

Schmaltz entered the zone 2-on-1 in overtime and beat Darcy Kuemper with a wrist shot to give the Mammoth the victory. Crouse scored twice for Utah, while Byfield tallied a goal and an assist for Los Angeles. Artemi Panarin tied the game at 3-3 late in the third period for the Kings before Schmaltz's heroics in overtime.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 23, 2026 in Salt Lake City.
  • Schmaltz scored the game-winning goal 1:46 into overtime.

The players

Nick Schmaltz

A forward for the Utah Mammoth who scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime.

Lawson Crouse

A forward for the Utah Mammoth who had two goals and an assist in the game.

Quinton Byfield

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who had a goal and an assist in the game.

Artemi Panarin

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who scored the game-tying goal late in the third period.

Darcy Kuemper

The goaltender for the Los Angeles Kings who made 30 saves in the game.

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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

The takeaway

This game showcased the tight race for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, with the Mammoth and Kings both fighting to secure a postseason berth. Schmaltz's overtime heroics were crucial for Utah, while the Kings will need to rebound quickly to keep pace in the wild-card race.