Mammoth Stumbles, Special Teams Struggle

0:00For the NHL, it's March 2nd, and here's what's going on. The Utah mammoth stumbled badly on Sunday with the four nothings shut out loss to the Chicago Black Hawks, a team near the bottom of the standings. This came right after their strong win over the Minnesota Wild on Friday, highlighting the inconsistency that's hurting their playoff chase in a tight race. Unlike Friday's game where the mammoth buzzed with crisp passes and dominated shots, Sunday felt flat. The top line lacked chemistry, defense crumbled with nearly everyone in the minus column, and goal-tender Carol Vegemelka looked worn out on odd goals. He usually stops. Players admitted the team lost its connection, with no one covering for each other on defense, or in the neutral zone. Coach Andre Torini called it baffling, especially against the Black Hawk squad fresh off a loss to Colorado. Fans even booed after a power play turned into a goal against. Both teams made it worse, as the power play sits 30th in the league at just 15.9% and

1:01gave up a shorthand to Tally. The penalty kill ranks 21st now, down from early season's strength, thanks to too many penalties they killed momentum. Now the mammoth hit a five-game road trip starting Tuesday in Washington against the capitals. They need to shake this off quick, or teams like Seattle could pull ahead in the wild car spot with games in hand. The Daily News Now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels, built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com