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 Utah Mammoth hosting the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 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 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions: Utah Mammoth vs Vegas Golden Knights
Series: Mammoth 1-1 Golden Knights
Puck Drop: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
How to Watch: US TV: TBS; HBO Max; Utah16; Scripps Vegas. Canada TV: SN360; TVAS2 Sports.
Location: Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
The Mammoth Side
The Mammoth are looking to take a 2-1 series lead at home in Game 3 against the Golden Knights. After losing Game 1, 4-2, Utah bounced back and won Game 2 by a score of 3-2. Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther were the catalysts for the victory. Cooley now has two goals in the playoffs, while Guenther tallied a goal and an assist.
This will be the first home playoff game in franchise history for the Mammoth, so they’ll likely come out with extra jump. Karel Vejmelka will be between the pipes against the Golden Knights. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter.
Injuries: Barrett Hayton– OUT (Upper-Body)
(Credit Image: © Peter Joneleit/Cal Sport Media)
The Golden Knights Side
The Golden Knights got depth scoring in Game 1 from Colton Sissons and Nic Dowd, but didn’t get enough in Game 2. Captain Mark Stone and Ivan Barbashev are tied for the team lead in goals with two. Each of Stone’s goals were on the power play.
Carter Hart had a save percentage well above .900 in Games 1 and 2. One loss shouldn’t force head coach John Tortorella to replace him, so expect Hart to be in net for the Golden Knights in Game 3.
Injuries: William Karlsson– OUT (Lower-Body)
NHL Prediction
This series is going to have a tight finish, perhaps in six or seven games. The Mammoth are making full use of their speed advantage over the Golden Knights, scoring off the rush. Meanwhile, the power play has been the difference for Vegas. They have two power play goals, while Utah has gone 0 for 5. If the Mammoth want to take the lead in this series, they’ll need to continue using their speed and stay out of the penalty box. We think they’ll do just that and use the home crowd’s energy to take Game 3 over the Golden Knights.
Prediction: Mammoth win 3-2
Prop Bets
Any time goal scorers:
Clayton Keller +220- Keller hasn’t scored in this series yet, but it’s only a matter of time for the Mammoth captain.
Ivan Barbashev +300- Barbashev already has two goals, one being an empty netter. He’s been one of the Golden Knights’ most effective forwards so far in round one.
Main photo by: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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