Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. In this edition, we look at the Utah Mammoth taking on the Vegas Golden Knights. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season. 

NHL Predictions
Utah Mammoth vs Vegas Golden Knights

Head-to-Head: Mammoth 1-1 Golden Knights

How to Watch: US TV: ESPN+, Hulu

Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Location: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada

The Mammoth Side

The Mammoth (35-27-6) will complete a brief two-game road trip against the Golden Knights. Utah comes in having just one win over their last five games. The one victory was in their last outing against the Dallas Stars by a 6-3 score. Although the Mammoth still hold possession of the first wild card spot in the Western Conference, there’re plenty of teams chasing them. Utah’s 5-3-2 in their last 10 games and hope to string some wins together to keep their postseason hopes alive. Clayton Keller still leads the team in points with 65 and the Mammoth are still one of the top defensive teams in the NHL.

Karel Vejmelka (30-18-3) is expected to draw the start for the Mammoth.

Injuries: Kevin Stenlund

 (Credit Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire)

Golden Knights Side

The Golden Knights (31-23-14) continue to have an up and down season, failing to meet expectations. Even after adding Mitch Marner, the Golden Knights have just 76 points and currently sit third in the Pacific Division. They finished last season with 110 and won the division. Vegas is 3-7 in their last 10 games and have allowed 28 goals in that span. They’re ranked 14th in goals against per game. Jack Eichel continues to lead the team in scoring with 74 points.

Adin Hill (8-7-3) will likely start in goal for the Golden Knights. Hill’s had a difficult season due to injuries and they’ve certainly affected his play. He had a career-high 32 wins last year.

Injuries: William Karlsson, Carter Hart, Jonas Rondbjerg

NHL Predictions

While the Mammoth are a top defensive team, the difference in this matchup will be special teams. The Golden Knights have the third-best power play in the NHL, while the Utah penalty kill is at 20th. Eichel and Marner are big parts of the Vegas power play, but don’t forget about Pavel Dorofeyev, who leads the team with 18 power play goals. If the Mammoth can’t stay out of the penalty box, then this clears the way for the Golden Knights to win.

Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-1

Prop Bets

For our best prop bets of the night, look to Logan Cooley at +310. Goals have been hard to come by since he returned from injury, but Cooley is due.

On the Vegas side, look for Ivan Barbashev at +320. He still plays on the top line and could certainly get one.

Projected lineups are based on available data at the time of writing. Please check social media and official team sources for the very latest lineup news before locking in any daily fantasy roster or prop wagers.

Main photo by: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

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