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. This edition will cover the Vegas Golden Knights hosting the Utah Mammoth in Game 5 of their Western Conference Stanley Cup Playoff first-round matchup. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions: Vegas Golden Knights vs Utah Mammoth
Series: Golden Knights 2-2 Mammoth
Puck Drop: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
How to Watch: US TV: TNT; truTV; HBO Max; Utah16; SCRIPPS Vegas. Canada TV: TVAS
Location: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
The Golden Knights Side
The Golden Knights evened the series at 2-2 after defeating the Mammoth 5-4 in overtime. Vegas had a Pavel Dorofeyev goal disallowed due to offside, but Shea Theodore went on to score his first of the playoffs to win the game. Brett Howden also had a pair of goals. This was a big result for the Golden Knights because now they head back home tied instead of down 3-1. Jack Eichel also dished out three assists in the victory.
American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas..Manny Flores/Cal Sport Media
Despite allowing four goals in Games 3 and 4, Carter Hart likely continues in goal for the Golden Knights.
The Mammoth Side
A poor start in Game 4 that included a short-handed goal proved to be costly for the Mammoth. Despite erasing a three-goal deficit, Utah fell just short in overtime against the Golden Knights. They even led 4-3 in third period, but couldn’t hold on. Four players on the Mammoth scored their first goals of the playoffs, including Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz. Besides Lawson Crouse, Utah’s top line has been quiet in Round 1. Keller and Schmaltz scoring could help get that line going. Crouse had a pair of goals in Game 3, which Utah won.
Karel Vejmelka will be in goal again for the Mammoth.
NHL Prediction
This is an important game for both the Mammoth and Golden Knights. The winner will take a 3-2 series lead and push the other on the brink of elimination. If Utah wins, they’ll head home for Game 6 with the advantage, while the Golden Knights are aiming to take Game 5 in Vegas. There have been plenty of goals in this series, but the Golden Knights still take this one.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-2
Prop Bets
Any time goal scorers:
Brett Howden (+360)- Howden’s performance in Game 4 could earn him more ice-time, and more opportunities to score.
JJ Peterka (+480)- Peterka’s struggled to find his offensive game in this series. He was benched in the third period of Game 4, so that could motivate him to get more involved.
Main Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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