The Calgary Flames (1-3-0) and Utah Mammoth (1-2-0) square off Wednesday. Puck drop from Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Flames vs. Mammoth odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Mammoth swept 3-0 last season
The Flames’ early-season struggles continued Tuesday with a 4-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Calgary was a +145 home underdog and the Over/Under (6) pushed. The Flames were only outshot 30-29, and G Dustin Wolf took the loss, allowing 3 goals on 29 shots. C Mikael Backlund and LW Blake Coleman scored first-period goals for a 2-0 lead, but the Flames didn’t score again and Vegas scored once in the second and 3 times in the third.
The Mammoth suffered a 3-1 loss at the Chicago Blackhawks Monday, failing as 155 favorites with the Under (6) hitting. G Vitek Vanecek didn’t face many shots as Chicago only took 14, but the Czech goalie allowed 2 goals on 13 shots. RW JJ Peterka scored Utah’s lone goal, while Chicago’s defense dominated, blocking 14 shots to Utah’s 3.
Flames at Mammoth odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:37 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Flames +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Mammoth -220 (bet $220 to win $100)Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Flames +1.5 (-135) | Mammoth -1.5 (+110)Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Flames at Mammoth projected goalies
Devin Cooley (first game since 2023-24) vs. Karel Vejmelka (1-1-0, 1.99 GAA, .920 SV%)
The Flames will turn to Cooley, who will see his first NHL action since playing for the San Jose Sharks 2 seasons ago. The California native was with the AHL Calgary Wranglers last season and posted a 21-17-5 record with a 2.94 GAA and a .905 SV% for the Flames’ affiliate. The 28-year-old, who played 6 games in his debut season with the Sharks in 2023-24, will face Utah for the first time in his career.
Vejmelka will return to the crease after a strong outing Saturday in Nashville. He earned a 3-2 overtime win over the Predators, stopping 21 of 23 shots. He went 2-0 vs. the Flames last season, stopping 56 of 60 shots. The last time he faced Calgary, he turned away 33 of 34 shots in a 3-1 home victory April 1. He is 2-5 with a 4.21 GAA and an .889 SV% in 9 career outings vs. the Flames.
Flames at Mammoth picks and predictionsPrediction
Mammoth 4, Flames 1
PASS.
I like the Mammoth (-220) to handle business at home, but I’ll take my wager to the puck line with the better odds.
BET MAMMOTH -1.5 (+110).
The Mammoth play their home opener after a grueling 3-game road stretch against top-tier opponents. With an extra day of rest since Monday’s matchup, Utah enters fresh and confident, while Calgary faces the challenge of skating on the second night of a back-to-back — a situation that’s often drains a team’s offensive energy.
Goaltending could define this one. Utah’s Vejmelka has been steady to start the season and will give the Mammoth a chance to win every night. A rested defense in front of him should only make his job easier.
On the other side, the Flames will start Cooley, who hasn’t been in an NHL game since April 18, 2024 for San Jose. Utah’s aggressive forecheck and depth across all 4 lines could make for a long night for Calgary’s inexperienced netminder.
Between the Mammoth’s balance and home-ice energy and the Flames’ fatigue and scoring struggles, the edge clearly leans Utah. Expect the Mammoth to continue to dominate this series in which they’ve won all 3 head-to-head matchups since moving out of Arizona.
I like laying the -1.5 goals tonight.
BET UNDER 6 (-105).
The Mammoth have been a defensive force to start the season with the Under going 3-0 thanks to stellar goaltending and disciplined play in their own zone. The Under also cashed in 2 of last season’s 3 meetings between these teams. Calgary’s scoring issues continue, while Utah should control the pace, keeping this one UNDER 6 (-105).
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