Welcome back to another 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. For this edition, we will look at the Vegas Golden Knights taking on the Utah Mammoth. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season. 

NHL Predictions

Vegas Golden Knights vs Utah Mammoth

2025-2026 Season Series: Golden Knights 1-0 Mammoth

How to Watch: ESPN; Utah16, SCRIPPS

Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Logan Cooley and the Mammoth take on Mitchell Marner and the Golden Knights in a rematch of last week’s matchup. 

The Golden Knights Story

The Golden Knights (10-4-7) will look to bounce back after blowing a two-goal lead in a 4-3 overtime loss against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday. During overtime, Mitch Marner tried to go around his own net, but lost control and it went right to Cutter Gauthier for the game winner. Vegas is 1-7 in the extra five-minute frame this season and are second in the Pacific Division. A recent revelation for the Golden Knights has been Braeden Bowman. The 22-year-old undrafted rookie was called up after captain Mark Stone went on long-term injured reserve and he’s filled in nicely. Bowman’s been playing on the top line with Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev, as well as the first power play unit. Since joining Vegas, he has four goals and an assist for five points in six games. Two of his tallies have come on the power play.

However, the key player will always be Eichel, who continues to lead the way with 29 points in 21 games. Akira Schmid (9-1-3) is the projected starter for the Golden Knights. As a note, this is a good time for our disclaimer. Please check social media for the very latest lineup news before locking in your daily fantasy roster.

The Mammoth Story

The Mammoth (11-8-3) are coming off a much needed win against a struggling New York Rangers team. Utah snapped their four-game losing streak. It’s been a tough road for the Mammoth lately, who are just 3-4-3 in their last ten games. Despite this, the hottest goal scorer for Utah has been JJ Peterka. After a slow start to the season, Peterka has five goals in the last six games. He most recently scored against the Rangers. The winger was dropped to the third line and hasn’t looked back. Usually getting demoted would cause a drop in confidence, but not for Peterka. He hopes to keep filling the net and help get Utah out of its current funk. Mammoth captain Clayton Keller also broke a four-game goalless skid.

Karel Vejmelka (9-5-2) should get the start for the Mammoth.

Prediction:

The Golden Knights will take on the Mammoth in a rematch of last Thursday’s game. Vegas won 4-1 and controlled the majority of play, especially in the second period. The Golden Knights outshot the Mammoth 17-9 in that time, and 33-26 overall. Vegas is one of the best teams in the NHL at 5-on-5 and on special teams. They’re top ten in goals per game, shots on goal, power play, and penalty kill. That makes the Golden Knights a difficult team to play against. The biggest key for the Mammoth will be to stay out of the penalty box, because Vegas can easily take over games with their dangerous power play. Goaltending and defence has been shaky for Utah, so unless they can stop the Vegas strong offence, we believe the Golden Knights will win again.

Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2

Prop Bets:

The Golden Knights are the favourite to win this game. As mentioned, Braeden Bowman has been off to a fast start in his NHL career with Vegas. Odds are high for him to get on the scoresheet, especially when’s he averaging just over 16 minutes of ice time. For the Mammoth, JJ Peterka continues to score goals and there’s a good chance he does so again.

Main Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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