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 Ottawa Senators 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 Ottawa Senators vs Utah Mammoth

2025-26 Season Series: Senators 1-0 Mammoth 

How to Watch: Utah16; RDS2; TSN5; ESPN+

Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Location: Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah

Senators Side

The Senators (20-16-5) are coming off a 5-3 defeat against the Detroit Red Wings. That was their fourth loss in six games and they currently sit in last place in the Atlantic Division. Leading the way of late has been veteran Claude Giroux, who scored against the Red Wings. The 37-year-old has goals in two-straight and has recorded ten points in nine games. He was rewarded for his strong play by being moved up to the top line alongside Tim Stutzle and Fabian Zetterlund. The Senators rank 11th in goals-per-game and 24th in goals against.

Linus Ullmark is still out for personal reasons, so expect Leevi Merilainen (6-7-0) to start. The Sens sent down Hunter Shepard, who had gotten into only his sixth career game after coming in, in relief of Merilainen in their last game, against the Detroit Red Wings. Moreover, the Sens recalled Mads Sogaard to replace him. This is also a big day for Sogaard, as he was named to Team Denmark. However, we will say this is a good time for our disclaimer. Please check social media for the latest updates before locking in your daily fantasy rosters.

🇩🇰 Team Denmark revealed their roster for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games!➡️

Athlete participation requires confirmation by their respective NOC.@dkishockey @olympics @nhl @nhlpa#Olympics #NHL #IIHF pic.twitter.com/VYIzz9lodh

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) January 7, 2026

Mammoth Side

The Mammoth are entering the game after defeating the New York Rangers in overtime 3-2. Utah is currently sitting in fourth place in the NHL’s Central Division. The Mammoth have been one of the more streaky teams around the league, trading wins and losses. However, a bright spot for Utah has been defenceman Sean Durzi. He scored the game-winning goal against the Rangers and has ten points in the past 11 games. Durzi’s played important minutes since returning from injury and remains on the top defence pair with Mikhail Sergachev. The Mammoth rank 19th in goals per game and 11th in goals against.

Karel Vejmelka (18-11-2) will likely be between the pipes for the Mammoth.

NHL Prediction

The Senators have played better than the Mammoth over the last ten games, going 6-3-1. While Utah went 5-5. The more notable stat for this matchup is that both teams are very good at preventing opponents from getting shots on goal. The Mammoth are third in that category, while the Senators are fourth. However, a big advantage for Ottawa that could be the difference is the power play. Utah’s a good penalty killing team, but the Senators have the fifth best power play in the NHL. So, players like Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk may be too much to handle for Utah. Merilainen hasn’t played as well compared to last season. Therefore, it’ll likely be a closer game, with the Sens taking it.

Prediction: Senators win 3-1

Prop Bets

In terms of odds, the Mammoth have the higher chance of winning this game at -132. We believe the Senators will actually pull through in this one and claim victory. Their odds of winning are at +108. For any time goal scorers, look for Dylan Guenther for Utah. He has 21 on the year and five in his last four games. For Ottawa, look for Claude Giroux at +410. There’s good value there and Giroux’s been finding the net more often.

Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.