Logan Cooley Leads Utah Mammoth to Commanding Win Over Los Angeles Kings

LOS ANGELES – The Utah Mammoth delivered a dominant performance, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 6-2 at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday. Logan Cooley was a key contributor, scoring twice and showcasing his offensive prowess. The Mammoth’s victory was further bolstered by four assists from Mikhail Sergachev, solidifying their position in the Western Conference playoff race.

Mammoth’s Offensive Explosion

Alex Kerfoot also netted a pair of goals for the Mammoth (38-30-6), who had previously faced a two-game losing streak. Nick Schmaltz and Jack McBain rounded out the scoring for Utah, while Karel Vejmelka stood strong in net, making 29 saves. The team’s youthful energy and fearless approach were evident throughout the game.

“We’ve almost got, like, a youthful excitement to our team, where we haven’t had any scars,” Kerfoot explained. “For the most part, we’re not scared of much, not scared of failing, and so we just got to kind of enjoy the moment, keep that as long as we can, realize that these are hard games to win, and the job is far from done, but we’re in a good spot.”

Playoff Implications

With this win, Utah now holds a five-point lead over the Nashville Predators for the first wild card spot into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference. The Mammoth are demonstrating a consistent level of play that positions them well for a deep playoff run.

Kings Struggle at Home

The Los Angeles Kings (29-26-18) struggled to find their rhythm, losing their fifth game in the last six (1-2-3). Adrian Kempe scored a goal and added an assist, while Anze Kopitar also found the back of the net for the Kings. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Mammoth’s relentless attack.

Darcy Kuemper was pulled after allowing five goals on just 16 shots, replaced by Anton Forsberg, who managed 11 saves. The Kings, currently one point behind the Predators for the second wild card, will need to regroup quickly.

Cooley’s Rising Star Power

Logan Cooley’s performance continues to highlight his potential as a rising star in the NHL. His two goals, including a skillful five-hole shot, showcased his offensive capabilities. He is now the fourth active American player to reach 20 goals in each of his first three NHL seasons, joining elite company like Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, and Jack Eichel.

Sergachev’s Record-Tying Performance

Mikhail Sergachev’s four assists tied a franchise record previously set by Clayton Keller on February 27, 2025. His playmaking ability was instrumental in the Mammoth’s offensive success. “When he’s going, he can do everything,” Kerfoot said of Sergachev. “He can skate. He can make plays offensively. He can shut guys down defensively. He’s physical. He can do it all. … I mean, when he’s going, our team’s at our best, and he was great tonight, and he’s been great for the majority of the year.”

Looking Ahead

The Utah Mammoth will look to continue their winning streak, while the Los Angeles Kings aim to bounce back from this disappointing loss. The race for the playoffs is heating up, and both teams have crucial games ahead.

Source: NHL.com