The Utah Mammoth secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night, January 15, 2026, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The game was a tightly contested affair, with strong goaltending and timely goals proving to be the difference. Here are three key takeaways from the Mammoth's win:

1. Marino's Heroics Seal the Deal: Defenseman John Marino emerged as the hero for the Mammoth, scoring the game-winning goal early in the third period. Marino's shot from long distance found the back of the net at 4:03 of the third, breaking a 1-1 tie and securing the victory for Utah. This was Marino's second game-winning goal of the season. Beyond the game-winner, Marino also contributed an assist on Nick Schmaltz's goal, making him a pivotal player in the Mammoth's offensive efforts.

2. Vejmelka Stands Tall in Goal: Goaltender Karel Vejmelka was stellar between the pipes for the Mammoth, stopping 26 of the 27 shots he faced. Vejmelka's performance earned him the first star of the game, as he consistently denied the Stars' scoring attempts and maintained the Mammoth's lead. His .963 save percentage was a testament to his concentration and positioning throughout the game.

3. Stars' Slump Continues: The loss marked the Stars' ninth defeat in their last 11 games, extending their current slump. After Schmaltz's goal late in the second period, Mikko Rantanen scored a power-play goal at 2:04 of the third period, briefly leveling the score. However, the Stars were ultimately unable to capitalize on their opportunities, with Jake Oettinger making 25 saves in a losing effort. The Stars will be looking to turn things around as they return home.