NHL: Mammoth's Nick Schmaltz scores twice, including in OT to edge Kings

Nick Schmaltz scored his second goal of the game 1:46 into overtime, lifting the Utah Mammoth to a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday night in Salt Lake City. Schmaltz carried the puck on a 2-on-1 rush and beat Darcy Kuemper with a wrist shot to secure the win.

Lawson Crouse contributed two goals and an assist for the Mammoth (37-28-6, 80 points), who have won three of their last four games and hold the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Kevin Stenlund added two assists, while Karel Vejmelka made 33 saves.

Quinton Byfield had a goal and an assist for the Kings (28-25-17, 73 points), who have lost three straight and trail the Nashville Predators by two points for the second wild-card spot in the West. Kuemper stopped 30 shots.

The game featured multiple lead changes. Crouse opened the scoring for Utah at 7:04 of the first period after John Marino stole the puck from Sam Helenius and set up the goal in front. Alex Laferriere quickly tied it 1-1 just 36 seconds later on a 2-on-1 rush. Crouse restored the Mammoth lead at 9:19, only for Byfield to tie it again 28 seconds later on a rebound.

The second period remained scoreless until Schmaltz put Utah ahead 3-2 at 16:11, batting in his own rebound after a puck battle in front of the net.

Artemi Panarin tied it 3-3 for the Kings at 16:30 of the third period, scoring in his third straight game. He recovered a brief turnover in the zone and sent a sharp-angle shot under Vejmelka’s left pad.

Schmaltz’s overtime winner capped a thrilling contest and kept the Mammoth in control of the playoff race.

—Field Level Media/Reuters