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 Nashville Predators taking on 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: Predators 0-1 Mammoth
How to Watch: TV: ESPN+; Utah16; FanDuel Sports Network South
Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Location: Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
Clayton Keller and the Utah Mammoth take on Roman Josi and the Nashville Predators in a Central Division matchup.
The Predators Side
The Predators (16-17-4) head to Utah and will play their first game after the Christmas break. Leading the way for Nashville has been Ryan O’Reilly. He has 32 points in 37 games played this season, which leads the team. The 34-year-old veteran centre recently had his eight-game point streak snapped. Moreoved, O’Reilly recorded 11 points during that span. This continued production has made O’Reilly one of Nashville’s most consistent players this year.
Since Thanksgiving, Nashville has been in much better form. They’ve won six out their last 10 and nine of their last 14 overall. Steven Stamkos has helped rejuvenate the Predators offence. He’s scored three goals in his last four and has seven points in six games. It was perhaps the worst start to a season in his 18-year career, but now it seems that Stamkos is finally breaking out.
Juuse Saros (14-12-3) is the expected starter for the Predators.
The Mammoth Side
The Mammoth (18-18-3) continue their season without top centre Logan Cooley. Losing him was definitely not on Utah’s Christmas list. Keller has been stepping up in his absence. Besides being their captain, Keller is an important part of the Mammoth offence. He’s the one that drives plays, skating end to end. After a slight drought, he has four points in four games.
Like Nashville, Utah has improved of late. They won four out of seven and sit just outside the cut line for the playoffs. Despite not having Cooley, being at .500 is respectable in a very difficult Central Division. The Mammoth will need help throughout their lineup if they wish to stay afloat.
Karel Vejmelka (16-10-2) missed Tuesday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche because of an upper-body injury. He’s comisdeed day-to-day, but if he can’t play, backup Vitek Vanecek will start.
NHL Prediction
The odds are very high that this could be a low-scoring affair. That’s because the Predators rank 24th in goals, while the Mammoth rank 19th. However, any game can quickly turn into a barn-burner. Special teams will be a factor in this one. The return of Josi has helped spark the Nashville power play, which has scored eight times in the last 10 games. On the other hand, Utah has good defensive metrics, especially on the penalty kill. They’re tied for seventh. Unfortunately for the Mammoth, the Predators power play will help take this one for Nashville.
Prediction: Predators win 3-1
Prop Bets
The Predators have the higher odds, making them the favourite to win against the Mammoth. We believe that will hold true. Nashville and Utah have both played better lately, but. For any time goal scorers, we like Steven Stamkos for the Predators at +250. He’s tallied 15 goals on the season and has the ability to score from just about anywhere in the offensive zone. For the Mammoth, we like Nick Schmaltz at +210. Through 39 games, Schmaltz is already eight goals from tying his mark from last year. However, his scoring pace has dropped off significantly. It could be risky to pick him, but all droughts have to end at some point.
Main Photo Steve Roberts Imagn Images
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