LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (ABC4 Sports) - The Utah Mammoth kicked off their new year in spectacular fashion with a commanding 7-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Saturday night. The highlight of the evening came from forward Dylan Guenther, who achieved a personal milestone by scoring his first career hat trick. This impressive win not only marked the end of a two-game losing streak for the Mammoth but also set a positive tone as they embark on a critical three-game road trip. Dylan Guenther's performance was nothing short of electrifying. The young forward, who has been a rising star for the Mammoth this season, showcased his scoring prowess with three goals, demonstrating an ability to find the net in crucial moments. "It feels good to get the hat trick, but the most important thing is that we got the win," Guenther stated after the game. His teammates rallied around him, with several players contributing to the scoreboard in a well-rounded team effort. The Mammoth entered the game looking to erase the memory of their recent losses, which had left them struggling to find their rhythm. Coach Mike Anderson emphasized the importance of starting strong against the Islanders. "We needed to come out with energy and focus, and I think we did that tonight," Anderson said in his post-game remarks. The Mammoth's strategy paid off as they dominated play early, scoring three goals in the first period alone. Guenther opened the scoring just five minutes into the game, finding the back of the net after a perfectly timed pass from teammate Jake Smith. The momentum continued to build when veteran forward Marcus Lee doubled the lead three minutes later, capitalizing on a power-play opportunity. The Mammoth's relentless offense kept the pressure on, with Guenther scoring his second goal before the end of the first period, sending the Mammoth into the locker room with a commanding 3-0 lead. The second period saw the Islanders attempt to mount a comeback, with forward Alex Johnson scoring a quick goal early on. However, the Mammoth responded effectively, with Guenther completing his hat trick midway through the period. This third goal not only secured his milestone but also reinvigorated the Mammoth's confidence. "Scoring that third goal was surreal. It's something I've always dreamed of, and to do it in a game like this makes it even more special," Guenther reflected. The Mammoth’s defense, led by goalie Ryan Blake, held strong throughout the game, making critical saves that thwarted the Islanders’ attempts to close the gap. Blake's performance was pivotal, as he recorded 28 saves, allowing only two goals. "Our defense was stellar tonight. They made my job easier by keeping the shots to a minimum and clearing out rebounds," Blake said, acknowledging the team's collective effort. In the final period, the Mammoth continued to assert their dominance, with two more goals from forward Chris Evans and rookie sensation Mark Peters. The game concluded with a final score of 7-2, a definitive statement from the Mammoth as they look to build on this momentum in their upcoming road games. The significance of Guenther's hat trick extends beyond personal achievement; it symbolizes the potential of the Mammoth as a team. With Guenther leading the charge, the Mammoth are poised to make a serious push in the league, especially as they navigate a crucial stretch of games. "This win gives us a lot of confidence going forward. We know we can play at this level, and we need to keep that intensity up," Guenther asserted. The Mammoth's next challenge will be against the Boston Blades on their road trip, a game that will test the team's resolve and ability to maintain their winning form. Coach Anderson is optimistic but knows that consistency will be key. "We have to take this win and build on it. Every game is an opportunity to improve and prove ourselves," he concluded. As the Mammoth celebrate their significant victory and Guenther's personal milestone, they are reminded that the path to success in the league is long and arduous. However, with players like Guenther stepping up and a cohesive team effort, the future certainly looks bright for the Utah Mammoth as they continue their season.