Lightning riding new mentality into clash vs. rested Mammoth
The Tampa Bay Lightning look for their fifth straight win when they visit the Utah Mammoth on Sunday afternoon in Salt Lake City.
The Mammoth saw their seven-game winning streak end with a 6-3 loss at the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. They'll look to rebound at home, where they have won all four of their games.
Utah is tied for seventh (2.73) in goals allowed and the Lightning are tied for 10th (2.82) entering play on Saturday.
Tampa Bay continued its recent surge with a 2-1 overtime win against the Dallas Stars on Thursday.
"You look at some of the games we won early in the season, it was only one, but it was just too much risk and we were feeding other teams' rushes and feeding them chances," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. "We've changed the way we've played and changed our mentality and the losses have turned into wins."
Anthony Cirelli scored on a breakaway in overtime, Brandon Hagel tallied for the third straight game and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 20 saves.
"It's a crazy game. You can't get too high and you can't get too low," Cirelli said. "We've just got to keep continuing, getting better in practices, getting better when watching our video and just taking it one game at a time."
Hagel has seven points (three goals, four assists) in his past four games.
Vasilevskiy has won three straight starts while allowing a total of four goals.
The Mammoth have been enjoying a four-day break since ending a four-game road trip in Edmonton.
Logan Cooley, JJ Peterka and Barrett Hayton scored for the Mammoth and Karel Vejmelka made 18 saves.
"I thought we did a good job through this last stretch in staying pretty even-keeled," Hayton said.
" ... I think we've got to flush it the next day, understand that this last stretch has been a lot of good and a lot to build on, and we just need to get that mindset back."
Peterka has six points (two goals, four assists) in his past four games.
Nick Schmaltz extended his point streak to eight games (seven goals, eight assists), and Dylan Guenther (assist) increased his streak to six games (three goals, five assists).
"I'm looking forward to seeing next game," Mammoth coach Andre Tourigny said. "How that game will have affected us, but I'm really confident. I'm extremely confident in our group and the maturity in our group. We were not expecting to win the rest of the way. We knew adversity will happen; it's part of the growth. I like the fight in our guys."
Cooley has nine points (six goals, three assists) in his past four games. He will be playing his first game since signing an eight-year, $80 million contract extension on Wednesday.
Vejmelka has allowed 11 goals over his past three starts.
Bo Nix Praises Taylor Swift for Her Generosity in Donating $100,000 to Support Young Cancer Patient
Bo Nix, quarterback for the
“Taylor’s generosity is absolutely amazing,” Nix said in a recent statement. “To see someone use their platform and their success to help someone in need is truly inspiring. She’s not just a global icon — she’s someone who genuinely cares and is making a difference in Lilah’s life.”
The donation was made in October 2025, after Swift learned about Lilah’s battle with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare and difficult-to-treat brain tumor. The family of Lilah, a young Swift fan, had been raising funds for her treatment and care, and Swift’s contribution has made a massive impact, providing financial support for medical bills and future treatments.
“I was so moved when I heard Lilah’s story,” Swift shared in a post on her social media. “She’s an incredible little girl, and I hope this contribution can help her get the care she needs. I’m sending her all my love and strength in her fight.”
Nix echoed these sentiments, highlighting how important it is for public figures to support those in need, especially children facing life-threatening illnesses. “Taylor has always been known for her kindness, and this just adds to the incredible work she’s done outside of her music,” he said. “She’s using her position in the world to uplift and inspire, and that’s something we all can learn from.”
Lilah’s family was overwhelmed with gratitude for Swift’s donation. “We are beyond thankful for Taylor’s kindness,” Lilah’s mother said in a statement. “This gift will make such a difference in Lilah’s care, and it’s comforting to know that there are people out there who care about her and are supporting her fight.”
As for Bo Nix, he’s no stranger to using his platform for good, and he believes that acts of generosity, like Swift’s donation, set a powerful example for others in the sports and entertainment worlds. “When you’re in a position to help, it’s important to do so,” Nix concluded. “I think we all have a responsibility to give back and support causes that matter. Taylor’s doing that in such a meaningful way, and it’s something we should all recognize and celebrate.”
Swift’s donation is just one of many ways the pop star has used her success to support those in need, and Nix’s praise highlights the ripple effect of such actions, inspiring others to follow suit.
