Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the slate of games and give in depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how the games might play out. This edition features a key Western Conference matchup as the Anaheim Ducks visit the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center. With both teams firmly in the Stanley Cup Playoff race, and looking like potential first round opponents, this game carries direct implications in the standings. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions as we continue tracking the 2025–26 race.
NHL Predictions: Utah Mammoth vs Anaheim Ducks
2025–26 Season Series: Tied 1–1
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) | 7:00 p.m Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
How to Watch – US TV: Utah16, Victory+, KCOP-13 | Canada TV: TVAS, TVAS+
Location: Delta Center, Salt Lake City
Credit Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire
Setting the Stage
Utah enters at 36–27–6, while Anaheim sits at 37–27–4 as both teams continue to push toward postseason positioning. Importantly, this is a direct matchup between two teams competing for Western Conference placement, making this effectively a four-point swing game.
Meanwhile, Anaheim arrives having lost three of its last four, including a frustrating overtime defeat to Philadelphia. The Ducks continue to generate offence, but their defensive inconsistencies have resurfaced during this stretch. On the other side, Utah has been more stable, going 5–3–2 in its last 10 and maintaining a more balanced team profile.
This matchup presents a contrast. Anaheim thrives in higher-event environments, while Utah is better equipped to control pace and limit chaos.
Anaheim Ducks Storyline
Anaheim continues to be one of the more volatile teams in the league. The Ducks are capable of explosive offensive performances, but they also allow sustained pressure against, particularly in disciplined matchups.
Still, there are clear positives. Cutter Gauthier remains one of the hottest scorers in the NHL, with 12 goals in his last 14 games. Furthermore, Leo Carlsson has re-established himself as a primary driver after returning from a Morel-Lavallée lesion, while Troy Terry continues to facilitate offence at a high level.
On the backend, Jackson LaCombe has taken on a larger offensive role, adding transition support and puck movement.
However, Anaheim’s defensive profile remains a concern. The Ducks rank near the bottom of the league in goals against and struggle to suppress quality chances. Against a team like Utah that can generate offence through sustained zone time, those issues are likely to be tested again.
If Anaheim cannot create off the rush, its offensive ceiling drops significantly.
Power play goal for Anaheim!Scored by Cutter Gauthier with 00:38 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Pavel Mintyukov.Anaheim: 1Philadelphia: 2#PHIvsANA #FlyTogether #LetsGoFlyers
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-03-19T03:47:01.708674Z
Utah Mammoth Storyline
Utah’s advantage in this matchup stems from its structural consistency and depth scoring. The Mammoth allow just 2.81 goals against per game and maintain a stronger defensive baseline than Anaheim, particularly at five-on-five.
Moreover, Utah’s forward group provides multiple offensive drivers. Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, Dylan Guenther, and Logan Cooley each contribute to a balanced attack that does not rely on a single scoring line. This becomes critical against a Ducks team that ranks near the bottom of the league in five-on-five defensive metrics.
Additionally, Karel Vejmelka is expected to start and has provided steady goaltending throughout the season. Against a Ducks team that relies heavily on rush offence, Utah’s ability to maintain structure through the neutral zone will be a deciding factor.
If Utah dictates pace, it can tilt this game into a controlled environment where its defensive edge becomes more pronounced.
Utah goal!Scored by Jack McBain with 11:48 remaining in the 1st period.Assisted by Barrett Hayton and Mikhail Sergachev.Vegas: 0Utah: 3#UTAvsVGK #VegasBorn #UtahHC
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-03-20T02:31:01.617904Z
The Model
The blended model simulates this matchup using a combination of internal metrics and external projections. The in-house model weighs five-on-five expected goal differential, special teams impact, projected goaltending, and game context.
The internal model gives Utah approximately a 55 percent chance to win. MoneyPuck projects Utah at 53.8 percent, while HockeyStats is slightly more aggressive at 58 percent, with a projected goal split of 3.6 to 3.1 in favour of the Mammoth.
After adjusting for market vig from the current -122 line, Utah aligns closely with fair value between 54 and 56 percent. As a result, the betting market appears efficient, offering limited edge on the moneyline.
NHL Prediction
This matchup sets up as a stylistic clash. Anaheim prefers pace, rush chances, and high-event sequences. Utah, meanwhile, is better equipped to compress space and force the game into a more controlled structure.
Given recent form, defensive reliability, and home ice advantage, Utah holds the more stable path to victory. Anaheim can absolutely win if the game opens up, but that requires breaking Utah’s structure consistently.
The more likely outcome is a moderately paced game where Utah limits high-danger opportunities and capitalizes on Anaheim’s defensive lapses.
Prediction: Mammoth win 4–3 (Model Probability: ~55%)
2025–26 Season Prediction Record: 14–13
Prop Bets of the Night
This matchup points toward concentrated offensive drivers rather than broad scoring distribution. First, Dylan Guenther to record a point (-160) aligns with Utah’s balanced attack and Anaheim’s defensive vulnerabilities. Guenther continues to generate high-quality looks and benefits from favourable matchups against Anaheim’s lower defensive tiers.
Meanwhile, Cutter Gauthier over 2.5 shots (-175) reflects Anaheim’s reliance on its top scoring threat. Gauthier’s recent usage and scoring form suggest he will continue to drive volume regardless of game script.
Together, these props align with a competitive game where Utah controls structure but Anaheim’s top-end talent still produces.
2025–26 Season Betting Record: 31–26 (+7.85 units)
Projected lineups and starting goaltenders are based on available information at the time of writing. Please check official team sources prior to placing any wagers.
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Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images