Utah Mammoth Avoid Shootout in Loss to Blues, Making NHL History

The Mammoth's 5-3 defeat marked the first time a team has gone an entire 82-game season without a shootout since the institution of 3-on-3 overtime.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in progress, with players and the puck represented as fragmented, angular forms that convey the raw energy and competitive spirit of the sport.The Mammoth's historic avoidance of shootouts this season has sparked debate about the role of the tiebreaker in the modern NHL, with the team's competitive spirit and determination on full display.Salt Lake City Today

The Utah Mammoth lost 5-3 to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, but the real story was that the Mammoth avoided a shootout for the 82nd time this season, making them the first NHL team to ever go an entire 82-game schedule without a shootout since the league introduced 3-on-3 overtime.

Why it matters

Shootouts are a controversial part of hockey, with some fans and players arguing they are an exciting way to decide games while others feel they diminish the integrity of the sport. The Mammoth's historic avoidance of shootouts this season has sparked debate about the role of shootouts in the modern NHL.

The details

In three separate incidents this season, Mammoth forward Brandon Tanev had goals taken away due to coach's challenges, leaving him with zero goals for the year despite several apparent scores. The Mammoth chose to play their regular lineup in Thursday's meaningless season finale, rather than resting key players, in order to maintain their rhythm heading into the playoffs.

  • The Mammoth avoided a shootout for the 82nd time this season on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • Brandon Tanev had three goals taken away this season due to coach's challenges, including one in the final game on April 16.

The players

Brandon Tanev

A Mammoth forward who had three goals taken away this season due to coach's challenges, leaving him with zero goals for the year.

Lawson Crouse

The Mammoth's associate captain, who expressed sympathy for Tanev after one of his disallowed goals.

André Tourigny

The Mammoth's head coach, who decided to play the team's regular lineup in the final game rather than resting players.

Logan Cooley

A Mammoth forward who secured $750,000 in bonus money this season despite missing time due to injury.

Ian Cole

A Mammoth player who earned a $200,000 bonus for playing more than 65 games this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think when you watch that goal go in, if you pan in on our bench, you'll see a lot of cheers and high fives. You feel horrible, you know, especially a guy that gives his all each and every night. Great teammate and really wants the best for the team and everyone involved.”

— Lawson Crouse, Mammoth Associate Captain

“I think the guys wanted to play, and I think in our situation to keep the rhythm and to get ready, (everyone played).”

— André Tourigny, Mammoth Head Coach

What’s next

The Mammoth will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the playoffs, with the series schedule announced after Thursday's games.

The takeaway

The Mammoth's historic avoidance of shootouts this season has sparked debate about the role of shootouts in the modern NHL, with some arguing they are an exciting way to decide games while others feel they diminish the integrity of the sport. The team's decision to play its regular lineup in the final game, rather than resting players, also highlights the importance of maintaining rhythm and momentum heading into the playoffs.