The first-round Western Conference matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth continues on, as the series travels to Utah for their first ever home playoff games. The series is 1-1, but the action is just beginning.

A veteran-filled team with massive expectations like Vegas will not be happy with a split on home ice. Will Utah’s momentum be enough to carry them over this hungry and dominant team? Here is our Golden Knights vs. Mammoth preview and prediction to get you set for the action.

Golden Knights vs. Mammoth NHL Betting Odds

On the puckline, both teams are 1-1. With neither showing dominance yet, it is a big question mark whether Vegas will cover -1.5 (+220) or Utah will hang around and cover +1.5 (-245).

We have seen a total of 11 goals (5.5 per game) so far in this series. Both goaltenders have done quite well all things considered, but we may see a long list of Vegas stars find the scoresheet as they desperately look to break their early respective droughts. In turn, I expect the young stars of Utah to continue to threaten offensively. The total is set at 5.5 goals on the NHL odds, with a strong lean to the over (-130) as opposed to the under (+110).

Dylan Guenther (+160), Nick Schmaltz (+200) and Logan Cooley (+210) lead the way in goal scoring odds for Utah. For Vegas, Jack Eichel (+210), Mark Stone (+220) and Pavel Dorofeyev (+230) have the shortest odds. My eyes are on Eichel and Dorofeyev, who have yet to score in the series.

Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights came into this series as the favourites, and the public sentiment is that they have a far better roster than Utah. However, they have yet to show it. Both games have been extremely competitive, and now they are forced to hit the road in what will be a loud and intimidating atmosphere.

That said, led by veteran head coach John Tortorella and a roster full of veterans and Stanley Cup pedigree, I see the Knights getting back on track. Their roster is full of some of the NHL’s best players despite not skating their best so far in this series. It is early, but I believe they are already challenged to step up.

Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl and Pavel Dorofeyev have all combined for zero goals. The team power play (40 per cent) and penalty kill (100 per cent) has been excellent early on, but it is time for five-on-five play to take the next step. Game 3 could be the activation we expect.

Utah Mammoth

The Utah Mammoth have done very well for the city’s first playoff appearance and the organization’s first playoff appearance since the 2020 bubble season. 

Utah has been fun to watch — there’s no question about that — but in a crucial Game 3 where Vegas will be highly motivated to get back to the win column, they may be in for a tough go.

Similar to Vegas, a few players have put together some solid performances, but nobody has taken over just yet. The difference is that Utah has a limited amount of talent that can in fact take over a game, especially in the playoffs. Their lack of depth remains a concern for me in this series.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Golden Knights vs. Mammoth Game 3?

When comparing the rosters, there is clearly a better one in Vegas. The Golden Knights are already playing with fire in this series, and if they want to make the Stanley Cup run that most believe they can, it is time for their stars to show up and begin to take over the series. 

A Game 2 loss on home ice will be the wakeup call Vegas needed; I see them storming into Utah and winning 4-1.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Away

4

MAMMOTH

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