SALT LAKE CITY – Nick Schmaltz had a night to remember, breaking his goal drought and leading the Utah Mammoth to victory over the San Jose Sharks. Schmaltz, who hadn’t scored in the first four games of the season, broke out with three goals and an assist in the Mammoth’s 6-3 victory. Schmaltz himself expressed his feelings after the match.
Utah coach Andre Tourigny had anticipated Schmaltz’s scoring awakening.I feel like I’ve had a lot of opportunities early in the season. I’m trying to shoot the puck more, get it to the net, be closer to the net. A couple of teammates made great plays to find me in open areas. It was fun to see them come in for me.
Nick Schmaltz
Schmaltz opened the scoring at 9:39 of the first period, taking advantage of a pass from Logan Cooley on a five-on-three power play. Less than four minutes later, Schmaltz scored his second goal of the night, receiving a pass from Clayton Keller and sending the puck into the top left corner. After Liam O’Brien regained the lead for Utah, Schmaltz completed his second hat-trick of his career at 54 seconds into the third period. He received a pass from Keller and scored from the left side to increase Utah’s lead to 4-2. It was incredible, especially in front of our local fans. Shout out to my grandpa, he’s seen me play twice, in Arizona and here, and he’s seen a hat-trick both times. Schmaltz then assisted Keller for a goal, giving both players four points on the night. Schmaltz described the play.Since the beginning of the season, he has been playing very well. He’s had many opportunities. He reloads very well, on both sides of the puck, he’s a threat. He gets involved a lot. It was a matter of time. Today was the day.
Andre Tourigny
Just one pass and a high return. He saw it open and made a great shot to finish it.
Nick Schmaltz
