Schmaltz's NHL-leading fifth goal helps Mammoth defeat Devils
Nick Schmaltz scored his NHL-best fifth goal as Utah used a strong power play to beat New Jersey 5-3. Clayton Keller, MacKenzie Weegar, Lawson Crouse and Vincent Trocheck also scored, and Mikhail Sergachev had three assists before leaving late in the second period after taking a puck to the back of his helmet.
Utah’s victory over New Jersey combined a productive power play with goals from several contributors. Nick Schmaltz’s tally was his fifth, the most in the NHL at that point, while Clayton Keller, MacKenzie Weegar, Lawson Crouse and Vincent Trocheck also scored. Mikhail Sergachev recorded three assists before leaving late in the second period when a puck hit the back of his helmet.
That injury detail places the game within hockey’s ongoing concern about head and helmet impacts. The available summary does not indicate whether Sergachev returned or his status afterward.
The outcome may matter most to Utah’s players, staff and fans, while Sergachev’s late exit could raise concern about player safety and roster availability. If his injury proves minor, the impact may stay limited to one game; if not, it could affect team performance and renew attention on protective equipment and head-injury protocols. The broader public may briefly focus on hockey’s physical risks, though the story’s social reach is likely modest.