Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions! In this matchup, the Detroit Red Wings take on the Utah Mammoth. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season. 

NHL Predictions: Detroit Red Wings vs Utah Mammoth

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

Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-1 Mammoth

How to Watch
TV: Utah16; FanDuel Sports Network; ESPN+

Location: Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah

The Red Wings finish the second half of a back-to-back on the road against the Mammoth.

The Red Wings Side
Detroit comes in after shutting out the first-place Colorado Avalanche 2-0. The Red Wings (33-18-6) have had a terrific season. They already have 33 wins, six away from tying the 39 from last year. Head coach Todd McLellan stepped in and really turned this team around, going 26-18-4 to end the 2024-2025 season. Now, sitting second in the Atlantic Division with 72 points, Detroit isn’t showing signs of slowing down. Leading the way is Lucas Raymond, who has 60 points (19 goals, 41 assists) in 55 games. At this pace, Raymond should get close to or even surpass his 80 points from last year. 

With Simon Edvinsson still out with a lower-body injury, the Red Wings continue to miss a part of their top defence pairing. Detroit has gone 2-2-2 in their last six games.

John Gibson (22-11-2) has been the backbone of the team in his first year with Detroit since being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks. The 32-year-old is looking to set a new career-high in wins. He’ll likely start against the Mammoth.

The Mammoth Side

The Mammoth (29-23-4) come in after defeating the Vancouver Canucks 6-2. Utah claimed victory thanks to a Nick Schmaltz four point effort, which included a hat trick. Schmaltz has been one of the most consistent players this season for the Mammoth. He has 51 points (22 goals, 29 assists in 56 games. He’s second on the team in goals scored behind Dylan Guenther. Utah had a little dip in play recently, but they still have a very good record so far in 2026. The Mammoth are 11-4-1 in the new year and scored three or more goals in 10 of the wins. They remain in the first Western Conference Wild Card spot with 62 points.

Guenther made his return against the Canucks, while Logan Cooley remains sidelined as he continues to recover from injury. He likely won’t be back until after the Olympics. 

This is Utah’s final game before the Olympic break, so Karel Vejmelka (26-14-2) should get the start.

NHL Prediction

Just based off the standings, the Red Wings are the favourites to win. However, this could go either way. Both Detroit and Utah have played well since the turn of the calendar, though each has also hit a rough patch over the past few weeks. This one feels like a toss-up, but don’t count Utah out. They’ve been a very strong home team with a 16-8-2 record, and that home-ice advantage could be the difference. The Mammoth are also a great defensive team and have the sixth best goals against. Because of that, we think Utah pulls off the upset. 

Prediction: Mammoth win 3-2

Prop Bets of the Night

Any Time Goal Scorers-

Lucas Raymond (+240) and Kailer Yamamoto (+360)

Raymond is one tally away from 20 goals, so good chance he gets it. While Yamamoto has four goals and six points in three games, so he’s rolling right now.

Main Photo: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Projected lineups are based on available data at 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.

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