Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey break down key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how games may play out. For this edition, we’ll look at the Nashville Predators visiting 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: Nashville Predators vs Utah Mammoth
Head-to-Head: Mammoth 2-1 Predators
How to Watch: US TV: Utah16, FDSNSO, ESPN+
Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Location: Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
The Predators Side
The Predators (37-31-10) come in after blanking the Anaheim Ducks 5-0 on Tuesday. The playoff race is tightly contested, so this was a huge victory. Nashville currently sits in the final wild card spot in the Western Conference, one point ahead of the Los Angeles Kings. The Preds have now won three of their last four games and outscored their opponents 18-10. Filip Forsberg continues to do everything in his power to get his team into the playoffs. The Swede has five goals in his last six games and has 38 goals on the season, which is second on the team behind Steven Stamkos (39). Nashville needs Forsberg to keep playing this way.
Due to the importance of this game, expect Juuse Saros (28-20-8) to start in goal against the Mammoth.
Injuries: Nicolas Hague– Upper-Body (DAY-TO-DAY)
The Mammoth Side
The Mammoth (41-30-6) comes in after a thrilling 6-5 overtime win over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. Utah was down 3-1 heading into the second period, but they were able to pull it out in OT. Captain Clayton Keller scored the game-winning goal, finishing the comeback. Like the Predators, Utah also secured a big win for the playoff race and have now won four straight. The Mammoth still remain in the first wild card spot, four points ahead of Nashville. Keller’s riding a five-game point streak, with 12 points in the span. He has 80 points on the year.
Karel Vejmelka (36-19-3) will likely get the nod versus the Predators. Vejmelka has been one of Utah’s top players and has the second-most wins by a goaltender this year.
Injuries:
Barrett Hayton– Upper-Body (OUT); Jack McBain– Lower-Body (OUT)
NHL Prediction
This is a huge matchup for both the Mammoth and Predators, so this should make for a good game. Both teams are hunting for a playoff spot, with around five teams still in the race. In terms of comparing Utah and Nashville, the Mammoth are better in most categories. Utah is ninth in goals for, sixth in goals against, and sixth in shots on goal allowed. While the Preds are 19th in goals for, 26th in goals against, and 27th in shots on goal allowed. The only path for each team to make the postseason is the wild card, with only two spots available. Stats show how well or poorly a team has played during the season, but they don’t always decide games. This game will be a marathon, with the Mammoth and Preds playing fast and hard. However, Utah likely extends their win streak to five and gains a crucial two points in a close finish.
Prediction: Mammoth win 3-2
Prop Bets
Any time goal scorers:
Nick Schmaltz (+220)- Schmaltz has four goals over his last four games and has 30 on the season. That’s a new career-high.
Ryan O’Reilly (+260)- O’Reilly continues to produce for the Preds. The 35-year-old has 20-plus goals for the tenth time in his career.
Projected lineups are based on available data at the 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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Main Photo: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
