It has become an expectation year after year that Vegas makes a deep playoff run. After a bit of a tumultuous season, a coaching change with eight games left in the year, and three games in the playoffs, Utah is threatening Vegas’ chances at another run.

The Mammoth have earned their 2-1 series lead entering Monday. But there are questions about whether Utah can sustain this level, or if the other shoe is about to drop. Game 4 will be very telling for the remainder of this series.

Golden Knights vs. Mammoth NHL Betting Odds

Vegas is -118 on the moneyline and is +200 to cover a -1.5 puckline. Utah is -120, and does not have much value at -250 odds to cover +1.5 goals. The game total is 6.0 goals with the over being +100 and the under being -120.

The Golden Knights have earned the benefit of the doubt to be the favourites. Given their pedigree and success as an organization, it is not surprising. But the same question of Utah being able to sustain their play also applies to whether Vegas can sustain their perennial success. Both teams will come out with urgency to answer said questions.

Vegas Golden Knights

Although they won the Pacific division, it was not a fantastic year for the Golden Knights. They finished 13th out of 32 teams in the league standings. However, their coaching change with two weeks left in the season appeared to give Vegas the jolt they needed. 

John Tortorella went 7-0-1 as head coach of the team to end the season. After winning Game 1, Vegas has surrendered the last two games. As much of a rollercoaster as it has been for this team, there is something to be said for pedigree this time of year. Vegas is riddled with veterans and proven winners. Utah is not. The torch is always passed at some point. But the Golden Knights are not ready for that time.

Utah Mammoth

Conversely, Utah looks very ready for the torch to be passed. While this is only the second season of Utah’s NHL team, these players have been part of a franchise that has struggled for years. Several Mammoth players, including the captain Clayton Keller, were part of a struggling Arizona Coyotes team before relocating. 

This year is just the second playoff appearance by Utah, formally Arizona, since 2012. Several members of the organization, players included, have not tasted success. They now have a powerhouse opponent in a vulnerable spot, and are motivated to get them on the ropes. These young, talented, somewhat oblivious players will come out buzzing to win a third-straight.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Golden Knights vs. Mammoth Game 4?

Although the score did not reflect it, the Golden Knights played well in Game 3. Vegas outshot Utah a whopping 32-12. The Mammoth were held to six shots in the first period, five shots in the second, and just one shot in the third period. Yet, it was enough to win 4-2. 

Sure, shots on goal do not exactly tell the story of a game. But Vegas has passed the eye test for several points in this series, too. The Golden Knights are keenly aware of the situation they will be in if they lose this game. Vegas is arguably the better team on paper, they have far more experience, and they will play with desperation at a level to which they have not yet played. This has the makings of a low-scoring 3-1 Vegas win.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Away

3

MAMMOTH

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