The Moment the Utah Mammoth's Winning Streak Began

The Utah Mammoth have been the talk of the NHL to start this season. It all began with the announcement that the Utah Hockey Club was becoming the Utah Mammoth. The summer of acquisitions followed, most notably JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres in a blockbuster trade. Now the team is atop the Western Conference standings and on a 7-game winning streak.

Things began slowly for Utah in the first three games of the season on the road, where they registered one victory in overtime and lost the other two contests. Like many people and teams in the NHL, the players needed some good ol' home cooking. The Delta Center provided just that, and the winning streak followed.

Looking back at the events before the start of the winning streak, one moment truly began the streak and the rise of the Utah Mammoth and mascot, Tusky, for that matter.

The Goal Celebration Heard Round the World

The big summer acquisition for general manager Bill Armstrong was Peterka, and Peterka scored his first goal with his new organization in Chicago, but he put on a show for the home fans at Delta Center for the home opener against the Calgary Flames. The 23-year-old's first home goal for Utah broke a 1-1 tie and, more importantly, broke the internet with a picture of his goal celebration right in front of Utah Mammoth's owner, Ryan Smith.

The goal was perfect timing to break the tie and bring relief to the home crowd, while justifying the assets Armstrong sacrificed in the trade to acquire Peterka. The picture including Ryan Smith, was poetic as this franchise would not be here without him and the financial commitment he provided to the franchise and Peterka.

In a way, this goal and picture were not only the start of the winning streak but the coming-out party for the Mammoth to the rest of the NHL. This is not a team struggling in the desert anymore. The players are better, and the franchise is here to stay with aspirations of winning the division, conference, and Stanley Cup.