John Marino Lifts Utah Mammoth Over Dallas Stars With Third-Period Winner

Salt Lake City — John Marino scored the decisive goal at 4:03 of the third period and assisted on Nick Schmaltz’s late second-period tally as the Utah Mammoth defeated the Dallas Stars 2-1 on Thursday night, continuing their surge in the Western Conference standings.

Marino’s performance highlighted Utah’s balanced attack. He set up Schmaltz’s 17th goal of the season with a precise feed that broke a scoreless tie with just seven seconds remaining in the second period, marking one of the latest regulation goals in franchise history. Marino then netted the game-winner from long distance two minutes into the third period, giving the Mammoth their second winning goal of the season and improving their record to 16-1-1 when leading after two periods.

Goaltender Karel Vejmelka made 26 saves, providing stability as the Mammoth secured their fifth victory in six games. Lawson Crouse nearly extended Utah’s lead early in the third period, but his goal was disallowed for high-sticking, keeping the contest tight.

Mikko Rantanen scored for Dallas on a power play at 2:04 of the third, tying the game temporarily. Jake Oettinger stopped 25 shots in the loss, which marked the Stars’ ninth defeat in their last 11 games and deepened their struggles in the middle of the Western Conference.

The win reinforces Utah’s position as one of the league’s hottest teams. With balanced scoring, timely special teams execution, and Vejmelka’s consistent goaltending, the Mammoth are showing an ability to close tight games against playoff-caliber opponents.

Next steps see the Dallas Stars returning home to host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, while Utah continues its homestand against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, aiming to extend its current winning streak.