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 Utah Mammoth taking on the Ottawa Senators. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions Utah Mammoth at Ottawa Senators
2024-25 Season Series: Mammoth 0 – 2 Senators
How to Watch: Utah16; ESPN+; RDS; TSN5
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Location: Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, Ontario
The Utah Mammoth head to the capital of Canada for a Sunday matchup with the Ottawa Senators. This will be the second game of a back-to-back for both clubs. Utah played the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, while Ottawa defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime 3-2. This is the first meeting of the 2025-2026 season between the Mammoth and Senators.
The Mammoth Side
Utah wraps up their four-game road trip, as they continue to move around Canada. The Mammoth were recently defeated by the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3. The Mammoth are 9-6-0 and are tied for third place in the Central Division. Nick Schmaltz has been the standout for Utah. He leads the team in points with 18, with 12 of them coming at even strength. He plays on a line with Clayton Keller, which makes it more likely that Schmaltz will keep rolling on offence.
However, the line of Dylan Guenther, Logan Cooley, and JJ Peterka has taken over for the Mammoth. They each have double digits in points and have a lot of talent. If the Senators hope to win, they’ll need to shut this trio down. Karel Vejmelka played against Montreal, so expect backup goaltender Vitek Vanecek (2-2-0) to start this game. This makes for a good time for our disclaimer, to please check for the very latest lineup news and notes on social media before locking in your daily fantasy roster. Furthermore, Utah is still without forward Alexander Kerfoot and defenceman Sean Durzi.
The Senators Side
As for the Senators, they currently have a record of 7-5-3. Leading the way for Ottawa is Tim Stutzle, who has 11 points in his last seven games. A surprise for the Senators has been Shane Pinto. After recording only 37 points last year, the 25-year-old centre already has 14 in just 15 games played. Pinto’s also shown more willingness top put the puck on net. He has 42 shots already this season. Along with Stutzle, they will be the keys to winning the game for the Senators. Stutzle scored the winner in overtime, yesterday versus the Flyers.
The only injury for Ottawa is captain Brady Tkachuk. Linus Ullmark started against the Flyers, so Leevi Merilainen (1-1-0) should get the nod against the Mammoth.
NHL Predictions
The defining factor for this game will be special teams. The Senators have the seventh-best power play, but are ranked dead last on the penalty kill at 66.7%. The Mammoth have just the 23rd ranked power play and 19th ranked penalty kill. Safe to say the Senators have the edge on the power play, but have struggled to defend when down a man. Utah will need to stay out of the box to keep the Ottawa power play off the ice. In terms of offence, it’s a very even matchup. The Mammoth are ranked 14th in goals per game, while the Senators are ranked seventh. However, things change on defence. Ottawa allows the second most goals per game at 3.73, so puck possession will be important for them. Overall, this won’t be a one sided game, so expect a closer score.
NHL Prediction: Senators win 3-2
Prop Bets
For the Mammoth, look for Clayton Keller to score a goal. He has just one tally in his last six games, but that streak shouldn’t last much longer. He gets top minutes, while playing on the first power play unit. For the Sens, look for Drake Batherson to convert one. He’s had plenty of assists this season, but in his current form, he’s due for a goal. We believe the Sens power play will lead them to victory.
Main Photo: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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