Tampa Bay Lightning extend five-game winning streak with 4-2 win over Utah Mammoth

The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their impressive run of form with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth on November 2, 2025, marking their fifth consecutive win. Jake Guentzel’s crucial third-period goal broke a tie and proved to be the difference-maker in Salt Lake City, where Utah had previously been unbeaten at home this season. The Lightning’s balanced offensive attack, combined with solid goaltending from Jonas Johansson, delivered another statement win as they continue to build momentum in the early portion of the season.

This victory ended Utah’s perfect home record after four straight wins at their arena and snapped the Mammoth’s streak of scoring at least three goals in eight consecutive games. The back-and-forth affair showcased both teams’ offensive capabilities, but Tampa Bay’s ability to respond to adversity and execute in critical moments ultimately sealed the outcome.

Tampa Bay Lightning five-game winning streak continues with offensive balance

The Lightning’s scoring depth was on full display as four different players found the back of the net. Yanni Gourde opened Tampa Bay’s account with a precision tap-in goal late in the first period, ending his personal eight-game goalless drought. The goal came after a series of crisp passes that drew Utah goaltender Karel Vejmelka out of position, exemplifying the team’s improved puck movement.

Anthony Cirelli extended the lead early in the second period with his team-leading seventh goal of the season, beating Vejmelka from just outside the faceoff circle. The shot, released from the top of the left circle, benefited from a screen provided by Curtis Douglas, who was facing his former organization. Cirelli’s hot start to the season has been a significant factor in the Lightning’s success during their winning streak.

Brandon Hagel sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final seconds, showcasing why he’s become known around the league for his proficiency in six-on-five situations. Ryan McDonagh’s heads-up play at the blue line, intercepting a Utah clearing attempt and delivering a backhand pass to Hagel in the neutral zone, demonstrated the veteran defender’s continued value to the team.

The Lightning’s offensive performance was particularly impressive considering they achieved the victory while showing improved defensive structure. They limited Utah’s sustained pressure in their defensive zone for much of the game, blocking eight shots through the first two periods alone and maintaining disciplined coverage when the puck was in their end.

Jake Guentzel’s game-winner highlights clutch performance in Tampa Bay Lightning five-game winning streak over Utah Mammoth game recap

Guentzel’s unassisted goal with 7:54 remaining in the third period was a thing of beauty and showcased his exceptional hockey sense. After winning a faceoff, the veteran forward wheeled behind the Utah net and wristed a shot on the short side that caught Vejmelka off guard. The goaltender appeared distracted by chaos near his crease as Brayden Point was knocked down, creating just enough confusion for Guentzel to exploit the opening.

“SCORREEE!!! JAKE GUENTZEL!!!” exclaimed the Lightning Audio Network’s play-by-play call as the puck found its way past Vejmelka. The goal came at a crucial juncture after Utah had tied the game just minutes earlier, threatening to seize momentum on home ice. Guentzel’s ability to create offense from seemingly nothing exemplified why Tampa Bay made him a priority acquisition.

The timing of the goal cannot be overstated. Utah had been pressing hard after Kailer Yamamoto’s equalizer, and the Mammoth crowd was energized. Guentzel’s quick strike deflated the home team’s momentum and allowed the Lightning to regain their defensive structure. His fifth goal of the season continues a productive start to his tenure with Tampa Bay.

Guentzel also contributed an assist on Cirelli’s second-period goal, along with Victor Hedman, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His chemistry with his linemates continues to develop, and the coaching staff’s decision to deploy him in critical situations is paying dividends during this five-game run.

Jonas Johansson’s stellar goaltending anchors Tampa Bay Lightning five-game winning streak over Utah Mammoth game recap

Jonas Johansson delivered his third win in four starts this season, stopping 25 of 27 shots in a performance that proved crucial to the Lightning’s victory. The backup goaltender has seized his opportunities when called upon, providing reliable netminding that allows the team’s defense to play with confidence. His save percentage throughout the winning streak has been instrumental in maintaining momentum.

Johansson’s most impressive saves came during a chaotic start to the third period when Utah attacked with fury during a four-on-four situation. He made two sprawling saves to preserve Tampa Bay’s lead, though he had no chance on Yamamoto’s perfectly placed shot that tied the game. His ability to keep the deficit at one goal allowed his teammates to respond quickly rather than chasing multiple scores.

The Swedish goaltender also made a critical save on a first-period breakaway and denied Clayton Keller on a point-blank opportunity during Utah’s first power play of the second period. These timely stops prevented Utah from building momentum and kept the Lightning within striking distance even when the flow of play wasn’t entirely in their favor.

His positioning and rebound control were particularly sharp throughout the contest. The Lightning’s defense helped by blocking numerous shots and limiting high-danger chances, but when Utah did generate quality opportunities, Johansson was equal to the task. His performance continues to validate the team’s confidence in their goaltending depth.

Utah Mammoth’s resilience falls short in Tampa Bay Lightning five-game winning streak over Utah Mammoth game recap

Despite the loss, Utah showed why they had been unbeaten at home prior to this contest. Lawson Crouse opened the scoring just 5:55 into the first period with a breakaway goal that energized the Salt Lake City crowd. The play developed after a turnover in the neutral zone, with Crouse racing past defenseman Emil Lilleberg and snapping the puck home past Johansson.

Ian Cole was a standout performer for the Mammoth, recording two assists and demonstrating strong two-way play throughout the evening. His vision and passing ability created scoring opportunities, and his defensive positioning limited several Tampa Bay rushes. Cole’s veteran presence has been valuable for the first-year franchise as they establish their identity.

Yamamoto’s first goal of the season came at an opportune moment, just 2:21 into the third period during four-on-four play. He had been one of Utah’s most dangerous players throughout the game, and his goal-scoring touch finally materialized when he found open ice on the weak side and fired a perfect shot over Johansson’s blocker. The tally gave Utah renewed hope of extending their home winning streak.

Karel Vejmelka made 22 saves in a solid performance that kept Utah competitive throughout. He made several sprawling saves during Tampa Bay’s first-period power play and was unlucky on a couple of the goals he allowed. The loss dropped Utah’s home record to 4-1, still impressive for an expansion franchise finding its footing in the league. Like the Utah Mammoth’s previous dominant performance, they showed they can compete with established teams.

Defensive structure key to maintaining Tampa Bay Lightning five-game winning streak over Utah Mammoth game recap

The Lightning’s improved defensive play during their winning streak has been just as important as their offensive production. Against Utah, they limited extended sequences in their defensive zone and maintained strong coverage when the puck was in their end. The team’s commitment to backchecking and supporting their goaltender has been evident throughout their recent success.

Victor Hedman’s performance, particularly in the final minutes, exemplified this defensive commitment. The veteran defenseman’s last two shifts were textbook examples of playoff-caliber hockey. He blocked a shot with Utah pressing for the tying goal, cleared the dangerous rebound, and immediately closed off the next play to prevent a quality scoring chance. While Hedman has shown some inconsistency this season, his ability to elevate his game in crucial moments remains invaluable.

Ryan McDonagh’s steady presence alongside the younger defenders has provided stability that was sometimes lacking earlier in the season. His active stick at the blue line prevented several Utah zone entries, and his hockey IQ was evident on the play that set up Hagel’s empty-net goal. The veteran blue-liner’s partnership with his defensive partners continues to solidify.

The team’s penalty kill also deserves recognition despite facing pressure from Utah’s power play. While the Lightning took two penalties in the second period that threatened to shift momentum, they remained disciplined in their structure and didn’t allow the Mammoth to capitalize. Johansson’s save on Keller during one man-advantage was the highlight, but the entire unit’s commitment to blocking shooting lanes made the goaltender’s job easier.

The special teams battle, while not featuring multiple goals, played a subtle but important role in the game’s outcome. Tampa Bay’s ability to generate momentum from their power play without necessarily scoring and their success in neutralizing Utah’s man advantage helped maintain the flow of play in their favor. These incremental advantages contributed to the overall victory and the continuation of their winning streak.

Looking ahead after Tampa Bay Lightning five-game winning streak over Utah Mammoth game recap

The victory sends Tampa Bay to Colorado riding a wave of confidence, with their next challenge coming against the Avalanche on Tuesday night. The Lightning have demonstrated during this five-game run that they can win in various ways—through offensive explosions, defensive discipline, and clutch goaltending. This versatility will be tested against one of the Western Conference’s elite teams.

The depth scoring that has emerged during the streak provides head coach Jon Cooper with multiple lineup options and the ability to roll four lines with confidence. Players like Gourde ending his goalless drought and contributors throughout the lineup stepping up in different situations have made Tampa Bay difficult to defend. If this balanced attack continues, the Lightning could position themselves as serious contenders as the season progresses.

For Utah, the loss provides valuable lessons as they continue building their franchise identity. Their ability to compete with a Lightning team hitting its stride demonstrates the progress they’ve made. The Mammoth head to Buffalo for their next contest, where they’ll look to bounce back and regain the offensive rhythm that had produced at least three goals in their previous eight games.

The Lightning’s five-game winning streak represents more than just accumulated points in the standings. It reflects a team finding its identity, with veterans like Hedman and McDonagh providing leadership, emerging players like Cirelli contributing offense, and depth options like Johansson delivering when called upon. As they proved in their latest victory, Tampa Bay is rounding into the form that has made them perennial championship contenders. If this trajectory continues, the rest of the league will need to take notice of a Lightning squad that appears to be hitting its stride at precisely the right time in the season.