When the Utah Mammoth were on their seven-game winning streak, everything was clicking. Utah played strong defensively and got dependable goaltending and the season looked promising. Lately though, the situation has quickly flipped. Karel Vejmelka and Vitek Vanecek make up the goalie tandem for the Mammoth, and the job hasn’t been easy for them. As they get ready for the Anaheim Ducks tonight, Utah has just two wins in their last ten games as the schedule is about to get crowded. The Mammoth will only have one day off in between each game until the end of December, which is a lot of hockey.
Goaltender Reliability Remains a Top Issue for the Utah Mammoth
Following a breakout year in Utah’s inaugural season, Vejmelka earned a new five-year deal. Although the 29-year-old holds a 10-6-2 record this year, his play has been less consistent than the Mammoth had hoped. In his last ten starts, Vejmelka finished with a save percentage above .900 in only three of them. His current save percentage on the season is just .885, a drop off from last year’s .904 value. Conversely, Vanecek has not been any better, posting an .869 save percentage. While Vejmelka looked better in some of his past outings, it’s been a rollercoaster in goal for the Czechia netminder.
THE BREADMAN ON A BREAKAWAY. pic.twitter.com/JJq1dQLbtc
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 23, 2025
Because of Utah’s defensive struggles, it’s difficult to put all the blame on their goalies. Although the Mammoth allow the fewest shots on goal per game in the NHL, they still allow the 18th most goals per game. However, having two goalies below a .900 save percentage certainly makes the season more challenging. Plays like in the clip above just can’t happen. Vejmelka was in a good position, but the puck squeaked right under his glove side.
Vejmelka and Vanecek need to square up to shots and make sure everything is closed, not allowing the puck to trickle in. But, none of that matters if the Mammoth don’t address their team defence.
How Can Utah’s Defence Improve
The first thing that needs to improve is team defence. The Mammoth have been giving up way too many goals due to defensive lapses. That means Utah is turning the puck over in dangerous areas and leaving their goalies out to dry. They need to make cleaner passes to avoid giving it away, and stop just reaching with sticks. Instead, keep the feet moving and stay with a man.
Turn and FIRE
pic.twitter.com/5itaVDysPR
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) November 29, 2025
In this video above, Vejmelka didn’t stand much of a chance. Nick Schmaltz made a backhand pass to an unsuspecting Ian Cole, but the puck went right through his legs. Then, it took a bad hop past Kevin Stenlund and ended up on the stick of the goal scorer, Jamie Benn. Currently, the defence continues to give Vejmelka little to no help. Costly turnovers continue to bite Utah and Vejmelka is the one paying for them.
Most recently, Vejmelka was pulled and replaced by Vanecek in Utah’s loss to the San Jose Sharks after allowing three goals on ten shots in the first period. This wasn’t to punish Vejmelka, but head coach Andre Tourigny trying to wake his team up. That plan failed as the goals kept coming, with the Mammoth losing 6-3.
Could a Trade be Explored
Another potential route the Mammoth could look at is the trade market. Vejmelka signed his new extension just last March, but we already know general manager Bill Armstrong isn’t afraid to shake things up. Cole Bagley of KSL Sports mentioned Jordan Binnington and Juuse Saros as potential options if Utah decides to go that way. The St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators have played way below expectations this season, so they each could be willing to ship out their top goaltender.
Considering Vejmelka is signed, it’s unlikely, but not impossible. If the Mammoth continue to trend in the wrong direction and the numbers in goal aren’t satisfactory, Armstrong could look elsewhere.
Looking Ahead
The Mammoth will continue their California road trip and face the Anaheim Ducks. Utah comes in having lost four straight, while the Ducks have control of first place in the Pacific Division after defeating the Blues.
Main Photo Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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