The Utah Mammoth achieved a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night. The game featured a dramatic comeback, primarily led by Clayton Keller’s two late goals. Keller tied the game with just 34 seconds left in regulation, and scored the winning goal two minutes into overtime.
Hathaway’s Critical Miss
Prior to Keller’s crucial goal, a significant moment unfolded involving Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway. With the Mammoth trailing 4-3 and only 90 seconds remaining, they removed their goalie to add an extra skater. Hathaway seized an opportunity for an empty-net goal, which could have effectively sealed the game for Philadelphia.
- Time Remaining: 1:30 in the third period
- Mammoth’s Goalie Pulled: Yes
- Hathaway’s Empty-Net Chance: Missed
As Hathaway approached the empty net, Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz executed a remarkable stick lift, preventing Hathaway from scoring. Schmaltz took possession of the puck and transitioned it back, leading to Keller’s equalizing goal.
Aftermath and Impact
This missed opportunity weighed heavily on Hathaway. Reports from PHLY Sports indicated that Hathaway remained in full uniform moments after the game. He appeared visibly upset, staring at the ground as he processed the missed chance.
Analysis from Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton highlighted Hathaway’s performance during this pivotal moment. Yaremchuk pointed out that the Flyers had a prime chance to secure the game but fell short. Hutton stated that Hathaway’s approach seemed casual as he crossed the blue line, suggesting he believed there was less pressure at that moment.
- Tyler Yaremchuk: Emphasized the missed opportunity
- Carter Hutton: Critiqued Hathaway’s mindset
Ultimately, Hathaway’s error was a significant turning point in the match, leading to the Mammoth’s impressive comeback victory in overtime. This loss will likely resonate with both Hathaway and Flyers fans for some time.
