Utah Mammoth outlasted the San Jose Sharks in a wild 6-4 preseason win, weathering a late surge after an early four-goal burst. The victory underscored Utah’s speed, improving footwork, and a coaching emphasis on staying engaged through the full 60 minutes. Keller and Tanev sparked the offense, while Tourigny praised the team’s sharper decisions and tighter structure as they head toward the regular season. Goaltending questions linger, but Utah’s momentum feels real.

Lawson Crouse is chasing a bounce-back season with Utah Mammoth, pledging to shoot more and return to the net-front style that defined his earlier years. After a down year and a February healthy scratch, he studied past success during a league break and committed to playing on instinct again from the drop of the puck.

On the ice, he aims to lead by example, rebuilds his physical presence on a line with McBain and Doan, and emphasizes staying out of his head to keep the team engaged. If he reclaims that sheriff identity, Mammoth fans could see a surge in multi-cat production and clutch moments that boost fantasy upside across the roster.

Off the ice, his leadership and renewed focus are selling a fresh start for both him and Mammoth, with a path to meaningful fantasy value through higher shot volume, more honest net-front play, and better chemistry with his big-bodied linemates.

NHL fantasy flag-planting for 2025-26 centers on proven stars and high-upside youngsters, led by Kucherov’s consistent scoring and premier power play production. A mix of veteran accuracy, breakout potential with new line dynamics, and goaltending depth across Utah and Colorado shapes a balanced ESPN standard lineup. The format favors multi-category contributors and reliable workloads, with opportunities for rookies like Rinzel to surprise and veterans like Bouchard to anchor blue-line production.

Key stories include Dorofeyev benefiting from Marner’s Vegas arrival, Suzuki’s top-line chemistry with Caufield, Tuch’s goals plus blocks, Cuylle’s Rangers breakout path, and steady goaltending upside from Vejmelka and Blackwood. It’s a bold blend of floors and ceilings designed for 2025-26 fantasy success.