The Utah Mammoth suffered a heartbreaking 5-4 defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night, January 29, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina. The loss, characterized by a late-game collapse, offered several key takeaways.

Hurricanes' Unyielding Spirit With just two minutes left in regulation, the Hurricanes mounted a stunning comeback, scoring three goals to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Andrei Svechnikov ignited the rally with a power-play goal at 1:59, followed swiftly by Shayne Gostisbehere's equalizer just 32 seconds later. Jordan Staal then sealed the deal with the game-winner with only 29.4 seconds remaining. This remarkable surge not only secured the win but also etched the Hurricanes into NHL history as only the third team to achieve such a comeback in regulation under similar circumstances. The Hurricanes' resilience and determination to fight until the final buzzer proved to be the deciding factor. According to Staal, "Things weren't clicking, and they finally clicked".

Yamamoto's Offensive Spark Kailer Yamamoto delivered a standout performance for the Mammoth, scoring two goals and adding an assist. It was his first two-goal game in over two years. Yamamoto's offensive contribution provided a significant boost for the Mammoth, who led for a large portion of the game. His first goal leveled the score at 1-1, and his second gave the Mammoth their first lead of the game. He showcased his offensive capabilities and playmaking abilities, proving to be a valuable asset for the team.

Late-Game Defensive Breakdown Despite holding a two-goal lead with just minutes remaining, the Mammoth couldn't withstand the Hurricanes' late onslaught. A four-minute high-sticking penalty on Barrett Hayton provided the Hurricanes with a crucial power-play opportunity, which they capitalized on. The Mammoth struggled to contain the Hurricanes' offensive pressure, allowing them to score three unanswered goals in the final two minutes. This defensive lapse ultimately cost the Mammoth the game, highlighting the need for improved focus and execution in crucial late-game situations. Goalie Karel Vejmelka made 27 saves but has lost consecutive games for the first time since early December.

The Hurricanes extended their points streak to six games, while rookie goalie Brandon Bussi became the fastest in NHL history to record 20 wins in his first 24 games. The Mammoth concluded their four-game road trip with a 2-2-0 record and will return home to face the Dallas Stars.