That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Trademark now Sacramento A’s, Vegas is next –An Identity problem?

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It’s safe to say the Sacramento A’s logo will be used officially by the 2026 A’s for the upcoming season (image from Baltimore Positive WNST)

Trademark now Sacramento A’s, Vegas is next. -An Identity problem?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Congratulations to the Athletics; they are now the Sacramento A’s. Thankfully, the US Supreme Court did not have to rule on this; they are very busy these days, and I am sure they agree that baseball team trademarks are not something they want to hold hearings on and then make a final decision on. They just listened to two days of hearings on the Trans Athletes challenge to Title IX of biological women in sports. On the Trademark, well, the A’s were late on this, no surprise, but it is official, this season, they will be known as the Sacramento A’s. Congratulations!

Considering that in 2027, there is a decent chance the entire season might not happen, there is over a 95% chance that baseball owners will lock out players over a dispute on the salary cap, Although it would be unfortunate for the sport and baseball fans, if that takes effect and there is no baseball in 2027, but wait!  there is good news for the A’s, they will have more time (during the lockout) to come up with another name to trademark, the name for the A’s in Las Vegas.

Here is my recommendation for the A’s to use when they eventually land in Vegas. Here it is. “The Team Formerly known as the Oakland A’s.” Sorry, too long, but it makes sense, although you cannot carry the name Oakland in Las Vegas. But if you use this long trademark, you will have to make some changes, not to mention what kind of uniform can fit all that!  However, I will bet you anything that people across the country will know which franchise it is, they will say from Maine to Tijuana, “Oh yeah, that is the team that won four World Series in Oakland.

You will need larger billboards along the highways leading to Las Vegas.  But you will have to “brainstorm” what to put in their Vegas uniforms, from Sin City to Las Vegas Gamblers, and in between. By the way, the fact remains that the A’s have used the “Las Vegas Gamblers” as an alternate to their Triple-A team, the Las Vegas Aviators. Why not? It will be “all in the family.”

You teach me baseball, and I’ll teach you relativity. … No, we must not; you will learn about relativity faster than I learn about baseball.”

-Albert Einstein.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Who are these guys? Kings defeat Knicks for third win in a row!

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Sacramento Kings center Dylan Cardwell (32) blocks a layup by the New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (right) in first half action at Golden 1 Center in Sacrmento on Wed Jan 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 DeMar DeRozan had 27 points and surpassed Kevin Garnett on the NBA’s all-time scoring list — how important was his veteran scoring leadership in this win?

#2 Zach LaVine finished with 25 points — what matchup advantages did he exploit against the Knicks’ defenders Wednesday night?

#3 Precious Achiuwa posted a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double — how did his physical presence on the boards impact Sacramento’s ability to control the paint?

#4 Russell Westbrook recorded 19 points and 11 assists — what did his playmaking do to unlock scoring opportunities for the Kings’ offense?

#5 Maxime Raynaud provided energy off the bench with 10 points — how valuable was his contribution in maintaining Sacramento’s lead when the starters rested?

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Sacramento Kings podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Comeback Cardinal overcame multiple double-digit deficits to defeat Tar Heels 95-90, Wednesday Evening, on the Farm

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Stanford Cardinal forward Aidan Cammann (52) dunks against the North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jaydon Young (4) in the first half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Jan 15, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — Ebuka Okorie’s 36 points and nine assists led his Stanford Cardinal (14-4, 3-2 ACC) to a dramatic 95-90 come from behind victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels (14-3, 2-2 ACC) inside a raucous Maples Pavilion, with large fan participation for both schools.

UNC started the conference clash with the first four points of the game. However, Stanford followed that with a 5-0 run, to put them up by one. That would be their only lead in the entire first half.

The Tar Heels performed another significant run (7-0), eventually leading by as many as 12 points during the initial 20 minutes of play. Although the Cardinal continued to claw at the lead. They kept the game competitive by the halftime whistle.

Despite trailing for nearly 19 of the 20 minutes of the first half, Stanford only trailed by two at recess, 47-45.

The aforementioned Okorie led both teams at the half, with 17 points and 7 assists. Ryan Agarwal joined him with 11 points of his own. UNC center Henri Veesaar was the lone Tar Heel to be in double-figures scoring, with his 16 points at mid game.

The second half had the visitors from the Old North State more than doubling (10-0) their first half start to the second 20-minute stanza. UNC eventually parlayed that 2-point halftime lead to the game-high 12 points again.

As they did in the first half, Stanford fought back to erase the large deficit. They kept the score within reach, but just could not get over the hump for most of the second half. However, that was a different story with approximately one minute left in regulation.

Jeremy Dent-Smith stroked a dagger 3-pointer, which put the Cardinal up 88-87 at 1:01, and only their second lead (5-4) of the entire game. Ryan Agarwal followed that clutch shot with his own trey. Stanford established their largest margin of five.

As the seconds ticked off the scoreboard, the majority of the crowd was happy, and some gathered on the court in celebration. The Cardinal finished off a sweep of the Tar Heels over their first two years of ACC play.

Okorie led all players with 36 points, establishing another Stanford freshman record. Both Ryan Agarwal and Jeremy Dent-Smith added 20 points apiece , UNC’s leaders were Caleb Williams (26), Henri Veesaar (26), Seth Timble (13) and Luka Bogavac (13).

The Cardinal will next be in action Saturday, January 17, as they host the Duke Blue Devils.at 3 PM PT on the ACC Network. The Tar Heels head across the Bay to Berkeley, on the same date to take on Cal at 1 PM PT, on the ACC Network.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Okorie leads the way with 36 to take out Tar Heels 95-90

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Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) drives on the North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (left) at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Jan 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How did Stanford’s Ebuka Okorie’s scoring and playmaking influence the outcome Wednesday night, especially in clutch moments, and what adjustments did North Carolina fail to make on him?

#2 Stanford’s ball movement and shooting seemed effective — how crucial were contributions from guards and in spacing the floor and keeping UNC’s defense honest?

#3 What impact did the Stanford frontcourt — including players like Okorie, Ryan Agarwal and Jeremy Dent Smith have on rebounding and interior defense against North Carolina’s size?

#4 Did role players such as Okorie, Agarwal and Dent Smith, make notable plays that shifted momentum, and how might that depth influence Stanford’s upcoming games?

#5 How did Stanford’s defensive effort in the second half evolve — particularly against North Carolina’s leading scorers — and what adjustments did coach Kyle Smith make to secure the 95-90 victory?

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Wednesdays and Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva: Duke shuts down Cal’s scoring to pick up 71-56 win

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Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) takes a shot over Cal Bears Semetri Carr (3) in the first half at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wed Jan 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Dai Dai Ames had a significant role in his offensive flow tonight — how did you see his shot selection and decision-making impacted Cal’s ability to stay competitive with Duke?”

#2 Considering Justin Pippin’s role as a primary playmaker, what adjustments did Cal try to make when Duke pressure heated up, and how do you think they worked?

#3 Lee Dort one of the team’s leading rebounders — how did Dort approach the paint against Duke’s size and athleticism, and what could the Bears have done differently on the boards?

#4 Cal has a mix of veteran and younger pieces — how did they balance experience and energy to try to sustain runs in games like this, and what did you learn from Wednesday night’s matchup?

#5 There were a number of three minute dry spells for Cal that was crucial in them falling behind in the 71-56 loss to Duke.

Michael Villnueva is a Cal Bears beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Golden Bears loses Sell Out Game to No.6 Duke Blue Devils, 71-56, Bears on a 3 Game Losing-Streak.

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California Golden Bear forward Lee Dort #34, throws down a dunk to cut the lead to 6 points, 25-19, with 5 minutes remaining in the 1st half on January 14th, 2026, in Haas Pavilion. (Photo Credits by Lezleigh Maldonado – Sports Radio Services)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – The California Golden Bears fell to No. 6 Duke Blue Devils, 71–56, on Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion, one of Cal Berkeley’s first sell out games, marking the first ACC matchup between the two programs this season.

Both teams entered the contest trending in opposite directions in conference play, with Duke sitting in first place in the ACC and Cal ranked 13th, looking to bounce back after losing two straight road games against Virginia and Virginia Tech. The Golden Bears also hoped to turn the tide in the all-time series, having dropped their last three meetings with Duke and not beaten the Blue Devils since an 82–77 victory on March 20, 1993, in Rosemont, Illinois. Cal was also chasing a rare milestone, as the Bears’ last win over an AP Top-10 opponent came on Feb. 1, 2014, when they upset No. 1 Arizona at Haas Pavilion.

California opened the game with its starting five of guards Dai Dai Ames, Justin Pippen, forwards John Camden, Chris Bell, and Lee Dort, with Ames leading the Bears at 17.8 points per game. Duke countered with guards Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Dame Sarr, forwards Cameron Boozer, and Patrick Ngongba II, led by Cameron Boozer’s 22.9 points per game coming into the night.

Chris Bell got the game started by drilling a three-pointer off a Duke turnover, giving Cal early energy and getting the Haas Pavilion crowd involved. Cal came out firing, taking 11 shots in the first five minutes, but the Bears struggled to convert, making just three for 27 percent shooting. Duke also had trouble settling in early, committing four turnovers while shooting 2-of-5 (40 percent) during that stretch. Cal capitalized on those mistakes, scoring five points off Duke turnovers to stay in the early running.

With 8:00 left in the first half, Caleb Foster knocked down a three-pointer to give Duke its first lead at 17–15. The Blue Devils then got a lift from Patrick Ngongba II, who finished the night with six points on 3-of-5 shooting and grabbed six rebounds, helping stabilize Duke’s offense.

Cal responded with a 12–2 run over three minutes to retake control at 27–21, sparked by Lee Dort’s back-to-back alley-oop dunks that energized the crowd. But Duke closed the half on a 13–0 run, taking advantage of a three-minute scoring drought by the Bears and heading into the locker room with a 37–30 lead.

The Golden Bears opened the second half with a 7–0 scoring run, cutting the deficit to 41–39 thanks to Justin Pippen drawing fouls and converting three of four free throws and Dai Dai Ames knocking down key baskets. However, Cal struggled to sustain offense, going another three minutes without a field goal, while Duke went 5-of-5 from the field to extend its lead to 60–48 with seven minutes remaining.

Down the stretch, Duke took control, going 8-of-9 from the field in the final six minutes as Cal continued to struggle with shooting and accumulated a high foul count. Lee Dort led the way for Cal with 14 points and nine rebounds, while John Camden added 11 points, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, and grabbed two rebounds. Ultimately, three bears were able to finish with double-digits: Lee Dort , Justin Pippen, and John Camden

With two minutes remaining, Duke held a 19-point advantage, showcasing their ability to shoot, play, and handle the hostile “Haas of Pain”. The Blue Devils went on to defeat Cal 71–56. Ultimately, Cal digged their own defeat as the team saw multiple scoring droughts that just weren’t helping and making the Bears not golden at home.

The Golden Bears will look to bounce back at home on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1 p.m., against No. 14/15 North Carolina Tar Heels (14-3, 2-2 ACC).

Kings Build First Three-Game Win Streak of Season in Victory Over Knicks 112-101

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Precious Achiuwa #9 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 14, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings are experiencing their first upswing of the season.

The Kings have now won three straight games as they defeated the New York Knicks on Wednesday night 112-101 as Mike Brown made his return to Sacramento.

With Wednesday’s win over the Knicks, the Kings improved to 11-30 and have their first three-game win streak of the season.

I asked Doug Christie after the game if this is the type of streak you can build on as a team.

“I mean, our league is funny that way,” Doug said after the game. “We lost a game in Portland and I look at that one as the start of all of this because I thought that our standard began to be met. Then we dropped two in Los Angeles and that wasn’t it, obviously. But from that point, listen, we’ll win some and we’ll lose some. The key is, as we define ourselves, is that we play to a standard.”

Doug has been clear the Kings need to play to the “standard” to build their identity. Precious Achiuwa agreed that playing the right way is something they hope to build off of.

“Momentum in this league is very important and you can capitalize on that,” Precious Achiuwa said after the game to me in the press conference room. “I think right now we have a good flow of things. We’re going to try to continue to build on that. There’s no guarantees in this league… playing the right way, playing hard, and doing the right things.”

As for the game itself, the Kings took care of the Knicks with relative ease on Wednesday.

In the first quarter, the Kings jumped all over the Knicks to start the game. Sacramento, led by an early trio of double-digit scoring performances in the first quarter from DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Precious Achiuwa, outscored the Knicks 32-17 in the first frame. The aforementioned trio had 10 points each in the quarter to propel the Kings. On the other hand, the Knicks were shooting an abysmal 5% from deep on 20 attempts in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings didn’t extend their lead but they managed to keep the Knicks at bay without allowing them to meaningfully get back into the game. The Knicks outscored the Kings by a point, 25-24, in the second quarter as the Kings maintained the lead going into halftime. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 15 first-half points as the Kings led 56-42 going into the break.

In the third quarter, the Kings turned back up the intensity on the Knicks. The Kings outscored the Knicks 40-34 to take a 96-76 lead going into the fourth quarter of action. Precious Achiuwa was the Kings’ leading scorer in the third as he added another 10 points to bring his game total to 20 points in the first three quarters of action.

In the fourth quarter, the Knicks made a couple of runs to attempt to get the game back to within reach, but they all came up short as the Kings defeated the Knicks 112-101. The Knicks were able to outscore the Kings 25-16 in the final quarter, but it was much too little, too late for New York as they never really got back to within a realistic striking distance.

The Kings were led in scoring by DeMar DeRozan, who had 27 points in the game. Precious Achiuwa finished the night with 20 points and 14 rebounds, as Russell Westbrook led the Kings in assists with 11 in the game.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the Washington Wizards on Friday at 7 p.m. PST at Golden 1 Center.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:The Dallas Cowboys are the Most Valuable Sports Team in the World

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Jan 28, 1996 the Dallas Cowboys won their last Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe AZ (AP file photo)

The Dallas Cowboys are the Most Valuable Sports Team in the World

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Forbes listed the Dallas Cowboys as the most valuable sports team in the world at $13 Billion. The Cowboys were eliminated this season and ended with a below-mediocre 7-9-1 record. We have to look at the whole picture, going back to 1996, 30 years since they last won Super Bowl XXX.

The occasional football fan might ask: “So why are they worth so much?” The Dallas Cowboys have won five Super Bowls and appeared in eight, tied with the San Francisco 49ers for the second-most Super Bowl appearances in NFL history, behind the Steelers and Patriots (six each).

Their global merchandise sales, plus affiliation with Nike, are all well managed by their owner, Jerry Jones, who said AT&T Stadium, the home of the Cowboys, was built as an indoor stadium with an outdoor feel.”I don’t want to adjust it for one reason: it’s an advantage to us.” Jones said the stadium has been an advantage for the Cowboys; more team members know where the sun is during games, and that won’t change.”

The Cowboys have national popularity mainly because of their frequent television exposure from coast to coast and fan bases across all 50 States. When the NFL was experiencing great growth, the Cowboys were right in the middle, and not much has changed.

Today, the Cowboys’ iconic brand is still considered “America’s Team. Exception:. The Green Bay Packers are still owned by their fans. They are the only community team owned and operated as a nonprofit, with over 500,000 shareholders who hold shares that offer no dividends and are capped to prevent control by one person, ensuring the team remains in Green Bay.

Jordan Love, Aaron Rodgers, and Brett Favre received lucrative multi-year deals during their careers, as the Packers remain one of the most popular and well-run franchises in the NFL. They are worth around $6 Billion. Most Valuable Teams in Other Sports in the World. Golden State Warriors $11 Billion New York Yankees $8 Billion Real Madrid (Spain) $6.5 Billion, Toronto Maple Leafs (Canada) $4.4 Billion LAFC $1,28 Billion (US Major League Soccer)

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor: How 49ers will go at Seattle without Kittle in line up

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is carted off the field after suffering a Achillies tendon injury in the second quarter shelving him for the rest of the post season. Kittle was injured at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sun Jan 11, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor:

#1 How will Brock Purdy’s decision-making and accuracy influence the 49ers’ ability to move the ball consistently against Seattle’s defense, especially without tight end George Kittle active?

#2 Can Christian McCaffrey continue his dominant playoff form by making big plays both as a runner and a receiver to help the 49ers control possession and keep Seattle’s explosive offense off the field?

#3 What impact might Fred Warner’s potential return to action have on the 49ers’ defensive performance, and how could his presence alter Seattle’s offensive strategy?

San Francisco 49ers podcasts with David Zizmor are heard after every 49ers home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Utah Mammoth game wrap: Mammoth Unleash Six Goal Stampede, Bomb Maple Leafs To The Stone Age 6-1

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Utah Mammoth center Barrett Hayton (27) takes a shot against Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Dennis Hildeby (35) in the third period at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Tue Jan 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Tom Walker

SALT LAKE CITY–Utah Mammoth scored early and often in rout of Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 to improve to 5-1-1 in January.

The Mammoth (22-20-4) squared off against the Maple Leafs (23-15-7) on Tuesday night for the fourth game of seven in the current homestand.  Making his Delta Center debut in a Maple Leafs sweater was former Utah forward Matias Maccelli who has seven goals and ten assists in 34 games so far this season for Toronto, one goal and point shy of his 2024-2025 season totals in 55 games.

The Mammoth took an early lead at 3:22 of the first period when forward Michael Carcone, who wasn’t expecting to return to Utah this season but ultimately re-signed with the team in July, put the puck past Maple Leafs netminder

Dennis Hildeby for his ninth of the season, assisted by Nate Schmidt and John Marino. Carcone, who grew up about 30 miles outside of Toronto, has scored the opening goal both times Utah has faced the Maple Leafs this season as well as their most recent matchup last season. 

The Ajax, Ontario forward is enjoying a bounce-back season after scoring just seven goals in 53 games last year.  The remainder of the opening period was scoreless, with Hildeby stopping 11 of 12 shots and Mammoth goalie Karel Vejmelka turning away all 6 shots on goal from Toronto.

Utah forward Dylan Guenther doubled the Mammoth lead at 5:26 of the second period with his team-leading 22nd of the year, assisted by Jack McBain and Ian Cole.  Barely a minute later, Guenther lit the lamp again with a laser beam over the shoulder of Hildeby for his 23rd of the season, assisted again by McBain.

Guenther’s two goals in a 78-second span are now the fastest two goals by the same player in franchise history, surpassing the previous record of 110 seconds by Logan Cooley last October against St. Louis.  At 15:25 of the frame, German Olympian and Utah forward JJ Peterka got in on the action scoring his 16th of the season, assisted by Daniil But and Cole, much to the delight of a large group of German tourists who are attending NHL games in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles over the coming days.  The Mammoth took their 4-0 lead to the locker room, with Vejmelka stopping all 9 shots he faced in the period.

Toronto forward Calle Järnkrok spoiled Vejmelka’s shutout bid with his 6th goal of the season at 3:30 of the third, assisted by Oliver Ekman-Larsson, narrowing Utah’s lead to 4-1, but that would be the lone goal for the Maple Leafs as Utah continued to step on the gas.

At 13:29 of the final frame, Mammoth forward Jack McBain tipped in his 6th goal of the season, assisted by Guenther and Carcone, to restore Utah’s four-goal cushion.  McBain, a Toronto native, earned three points on the night against his hometown team, and now has seven points (4g, 3a) in eight career games against them.

  With three minutes remaining in the game, Daniil But put an exclamation mark on the Mammoth victory with his third goal of his rookie season, assisted by Barrett Hayton and Peterka, as Utah won its third game of the homestand 6-1 and improve to 5-1-1 in the new year.

Vejmelka stopped 19 of 20 shots in his winning effort, and leads the NHL with 21 victories this season.  Guenther’s first goal in the second period turned out to be the game-winner, his sixth on the season, just one game-winning goal shy of NHL leader Steven Stamkos who has seven. 

Defenseman Ian Cole, who recorded two assists in the game, spoke of the team’s killer attitude in his locker room interview.  “It’s more of a mindset for us, and sticking with that mindset regardless of what happens, whether we go up, whether we go down, whether it’s tied. Regardless of what the situation is, sticking with that and keeping that mindset. I think we’re getting better as we go here, but we have to keep building. That’s a good team to beat, but it’s not going to matter two days from now, so we have to do it again.” Talking about Utah’s defensive effort, which limited Toronto to 20 shots on the night, Cole said, “That’s a highly skilled team, so we want to take away time and space. You want to make sure that those skill guys have a tough time getting shots off and making plays. I think we did a pretty good job of that. It’s the right mindset, and it wasn’t just our D, It was our forwards too. We can keep good gaps, but if they don’t track back, it’s gonna be odd-man rushes all night. So they did a great job.” On the Mammoth having earned points in five straight games, Cole added, “It’s great. Accruing points is kind of the name of the game. We’re disappointed in how we let some points slip away early in the year, but as of right now, it’s kind of do or die. If we wait to find our game or we wait to turn this corner, we’re going to run out of time. There’s only eighty-two games in the season. We need to play well and play well right now. I think we’re making some great strides there.” 

Dylan Guenther added praise for the play of Michael Carcone in the game. “Yeah, he’s a really good player. I think he’s had success at every level, and he’s produced at every level. He’s worked for everything. So he’s a great guy to play with, and super fast. He’s a really big part of our team.” As for the hot start in the new year, Guenther said, “Yeah, it’s been a good stretch. I think we’ve talked about this stretch for a little bit, and have been looking forward to getting a little bit of time at home. So it’s nice to be getting points, and we play a really good team next game, so just make sure that we’re ready to go after a win like tonight.” For Utah, which fell just short of a playoff spot last season, continuing to press at this stage of the year is critical. “Yeah, I think that’s the big picture,” said Guenther. “I think we’re fighting, and every game’s a fight. So I think if we play like that every game, then, there’s a really good chance.”

A happy head coach, André Tourigny, opened his postgame remarks by saying, “Obviously, a really good game. We liked the pace of our game; the speed we had offensively and defensively. I think we attacked every shift with a lot of speed through the neutral zone and a lot of pace, a lot of pressure on their D. We knew (Toronto) was on the back-to-back; they played a big game yesterday. After the game against Columbus, I talked to you about the mindset. I said it’s not about focus, it’s not about execution. It’s the mindset we had in that game and the way we tried to play the game tonight. Obviously, we’ll take the result, but it’s more than that.” Bear talked about some of the line changes, including how McBain’s line performed as a unit. “I think they played hard and fast. They were really fast in everything they did. They never slowed down. They were coming really fast. That’s three good skaters. I think it clicked. Sometimes, it’s tough to explain why; it just happens. I think (Dylan Guenther) and (Michael Carcone) had success last year when they played together. Same thing with (Guenther) and (Jack McBain)–they had success when they played together last year. That was the rationale behind it. We were hoping (Daniil But) and JJ (Peterka) and (Barrett Hayton) would click as well. It is what it is.”  The “killer instinct” comment came up again in the interview with Tourigny, who responded, “We gave up five shots in the third. I think we kept the pace defensively. I feel, in a sense, (Toronto was) trying more plays and stuff like that. So they had a little bit more possession. Still, we played the right way. We put pucks behind; we were on them. They had no easy possessions. We were on them a lot.”

Next up for Utah (23-20-4) on Thursday are the Dallas Stars (27-11-9), who lost 3-1 to the Ducks in Anaheim on Tuesday night.