SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – In a thrilling matchup at the Delta Center on Monday night, Steven Stamkos emerged as the star as he powered the Nashville Predators to a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth. The game showcased a blend of resilience and skill, epitomized by Stamkos’s two critical third-period goals, including a decisive power-play strike that tied the game with just under eight minutes remaining. The Mammoth entered the game with high hopes, riding a wave of momentum from previous performances. Their offense, led by the dynamic play of forwards, had been formidable in recent weeks, but they faced a tough challenge against a Predators team eager to climb the standings. As the puck dropped, both teams showcased aggressive play, but it was the Mammoth who struck first, taking a 1-0 lead early in the first period. This early momentum was buoyed by a crowd of enthusiastic fans, filling the Delta Center with palpable energy. Utah’s first goal came at 5:12 in the opening period when forward Alex Smith found the back of the net with a precise wrist shot from the right circle, assisted by teammate Jake Thompson. The Mammoth's defense held strong against Nashville's attempts to equalize, with goaltender Vitek Vanecek making several key saves to maintain the lead. However, the Predators responded quickly, showcasing their depth and skill. Just five minutes later, Nashville leveled the score at 1-1 with a goal from Ryan O'Reilly, who capitalized on a rebound in front of the net after a flurry of shots on Vanecek. This exchange of goals set the tone for an intense battle that would see both teams trading chances throughout the game. As the second period progressed, the Mammoth regained their lead with a power-play goal, courtesy of forward Max Johnson. Johnson found a seam in Nashville's defense and fired a shot that slipped past Predators’ goalie Juuse Saros, making it 2-1. The Delta Center erupted in cheers, as the Mammoth sought to extend their lead in front of their home crowd. Yet, the Predators were undeterred. With just over three minutes remaining in the second period, they struck again, this time from Philip Forsberg, who showcased his trademark shooting ability by unleashing a powerful slap shot from the point that equalized the game at 2-2. The back-and-forth nature of the contest had fans on the edge of their seats, and the tension only heightened as the game moved into the third period. The Mammoth once again took the lead early in the third period when a swift transition led to a goal by defenseman Sam Carter, giving Utah a 3-2 advantage. However, as the clock ticked down, the Predators found their rhythm, aided by a pivotal penalty against the Mammoth. At 11:39 of the third, Stamkos delivered a critical power-play goal that sent the visiting fans into a frenzy. He received a pinpoint pass from O'Reilly and fired a wrist shot from the slot, beating Vanecek and tying the game at 3-3. With momentum on their side, the Predators continued to press, and just minutes later, Stamkos struck again, scoring his second goal of the night at 15:02. This time, he executed a well-placed shot from just outside the crease after a beautiful setup from Forsberg, giving Nashville a 4-3 lead. The Mammoth fought valiantly in the final minutes, but Nashville's defense, bolstered by a stellar performance from Saros, held firm to secure the victory. The loss was a tough pill for the Mammoth to swallow, especially after leading for significant stretches of the game. Head Coach Mark Thompson acknowledged the effort of his team but emphasized the need for improvement in critical moments. “We played well for a lot of the game, but we have to learn how to close things out when we have the lead,” Thompson stated in the post-game press conference. “Nashville took advantage of their opportunities, and we need to do better in those situations.” Meanwhile, the Predators celebrated a crucial win that could bolster their position in the playoff race. Coach John Hynes praised Stamkos for his leadership and performance in the clutch. “Steven is a proven winner, and he showed that tonight. We showed great resilience, and it’s performances like this that can propel us moving forward,” Hynes commented. As both teams look ahead, the Mammoth will seek to bounce back in their next game while the Predators aim to build on their success. With the season heating up, every game becomes increasingly vital, and both teams will need to sharpen their play as they navigate the final stretch of the season.