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. Our featured game of this edition is the Utah Mammoth taking on the Nashville Predators. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions Utah Mammoth vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Mammoth 1-1 Predators
Time: 1:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch TV: FanDuel Sports Network; Utah16; ESPN+
Location: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee
Mikhail Sergachev and the Utah Mammoth head to “Music City” for an afternoon matchup with Filip Forsberg and the Nashville Predators.
The Mammoth Side
The Mammoth are currently one of the hottest teams in the NHL. They’re 8-1-1 in their last ten games and sit in the first Stanley Cup Playoff Wild Card spot in the Western Conference with a record of 26-20-4. Utah most recently had a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory against the Philadelphia Flyers. Mammoth captain Clayton Keller led the way in that game, scoring both the game-tying and game-winning goals. Keller has eight points in the last five games and leads the team with 49 points. Dylan Guenther leads in goals with 24. Those two will look to take over offensively again for the Mammoth and extend their four-game win streak.
Karel Vejmelka (24-11-2) has been dominant between the pipes for Utah this season. His 24 wins currently leads the league, so he’ll likely get the start against the Predators.
The Predators Side
The Predators are coming off a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. After having a difficult first half, Steven Stamkos continues his bounce back efforts, recording a hat trick against the Senators. The 35-year-old has 24 goals and is already on pace to surpass his total from last year (27). Another veteran leading the way is Ryan O’Reilly, who’s riding a six-game point streak and has 13 points in that span. He has 50 points in 50 games this year. The Predators are 6-4 in their last ten and are chasing the Mammoth for a wild card spot.
Juuse Saros (20-16-3) has won three of his last four starts. He’s expected to be in the crease for the Predators.
NHL Predictions
The edge in this match belongs to the Mammoth. Their offence has come to life in recent games, while their defence continues to impress. Utah ranks sixth in goals-allowed-per-game, while the Predators rank 27th. Nashville has a home record of 14-11-2, while the Mammoth are 11-13-2 on the road. However, that might not matter in this case because Utah has gone 8-1-1 in the month of January. Despite still missing top centre Logan Cooley, everything is clicking for Utah right now. Stamkos and O’Reilly will still put Utah on notice, but the Mammoth likely win this one due to defence and goaltending.
Prediction: Mammoth win 3-2
Prop Bets
Ryan O’Reilly, 2+ Shots on goal
O’Reilly’s been on an offensive tear and has 90 shots on goal this season. He could easily get a couple of shots, or more.
Lawson Crouse, any time goal scorer
Naturally a promotion to the first line gives more scoring opportunities, which Crouse has taken full advantage of. He’s scored in back-to-back games and has four goals in seven games.
Luke Evangelista, any time goal scorer
Evangelista’s role with the Predators greatly increased over time. He’s now on their first line and top power play unit. He has just seven goals on the year, but Evangelista will have chances.
Projected lineups are based on available data at 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.
Main Photo Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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