Nick Schmaltz Found His Scoring Touch, and Utah Is Reaping the Rewards

Nick Schmaltz wanted more from his game, and by studying some of the NHL's best finishers, the Utah Mammoth forward is beginning to make those extra chances count.

As NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin reported, Schmaltz turned to Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart and Tampa Bay Lightning star Brayden Point for inspiration, studying their shooting habits and positioning around the net. He knew he was getting into dangerous areas but wanted to become more consistent at finishing.

“I'm just trying to take anything I can from them and put it in my game,” Schmaltz said.

After setting career highs with 33 goals and 74 points last season, Schmaltz has picked up right where he left off, recording eight points in Utah’s first six games. His six goals put him in a five-way tie for the NHL lead alongside Connor McDavid, Sebastian Aho, Kirill Kaprizov, and Kyle Connor. Schmaltz has scored in five of Utah’s six contests, including a goal in each of the Mammoth’s first four games.

Rather than overthinking their opportunities with the man advantage, the Mammoth have focused on playing with the same aggression they bring at even strength.

“We're not looking for the next-best option, we're just taking it and then reacting off of that,” Schmaltz said.

That approach has helped Utah get off to a 4-2 start, although the early schedule has already delivered a reminder that progress rarely comes without setbacks.

Following a humbling 6-1 loss to the Boston Bruins, the Mammoth answered with a convincing 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, a team that advanced further in last season's playoffs. The response was encouraging for a franchise looking to build on last year's progress and establish itself as a legitimate contender.

Schmaltz's development reflects that same willingness to adjust and improve. At 30, he's becoming an increasingly important piece of Utah's offense, using his experience and hockey sense to make a difference when it matters most.

The season is still young, but the Mammoth are already showing they can take a punch and respond. If they continue pairing that resilience with an offense that's finding its rhythm, Utah could have plenty more to celebrate this season.