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 installment, we will be making predictions on the Utah Mammoth versus the Detroit Red Wings . Make sure to continue following this series for the entire 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: Utah Mammoth vs Detroit Red Wings
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch
TV: TNT; truTV; HBO Max
Location: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan
2024-25 Season Series: Mammoth 1-1 Red Wings
Nick Schmaltz and the Utah Mammoth take on Lucas Raymond and the Detroit Red Wings.
The Mammoth Side
The Mammoth (16-15-3) head back out on the road to Detroit and will face the Red Wings. Utah lost top centre Logan Cooley due to a lower-body injury, so he’ll be out for approximately eight weeks. As a result, things have been difficult and just inconsistent for the Mammoth. Since the end of November, Utah’s been on a run where they start a win streak, then follow it up with a losing streak. Most recently, the Mammoth won two, lost three, and have now lost their two-game win streak. The latest being a thrilling comeback overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins . Utah scored five goals in both games during their previous two-game streak, which means the offence is slowly starting to come around despite Cooley’s absence.
The biggest improvement in recent games for the Mammoth has been their power play. Although it’s ranked just 27th with a 15.6% success rating, Utah has six power play goals in their last eight outings. The most impactful player with the man advantage has been Dylan Guenther , who has four power play goals this year. Their overall game on offence has been better thanks to a higher shot volume. The Mammoth have fired 30 or more shots on goal in three of the last four games, Utah ranks 13th in that department. Utah will need to continue to shoot the puck and produce on the power play.
Vitek Vanecek started yesterday’s game against the Boston Bruins , so Karel Vejmelka (14-9-2) will be in goal for this one.
Projected Lines:
Forwards:
Keller-Schmaltz-Peterka
Crouse-Hayton-Guenther
Carcone-McBain-But
O’Brien-Stenlund-Yamamoto
Defence:
Sergachev-Durzi
Schmidt-Marino
Cole-Maatta
The Red Wings Side
The Red Wings (19-12-3) have been on a roll throughout December. They’re 6-2 in the month and have scored four-or-more goals in six of the eight games. Leading the charge has been goaltender John Gibson . After a difficult October and November, this month has been much nicer to Gibson. He’s won his last six starts and recorded two shutouts during that time. Despite this, his numbers are still far below what is expected, an .890 save percentage and a 3.07 goals-against average.
Alex DeBrincat has really stood out offensively for the Red Wings. He has three two-goal games in his last four and has 11 points in eight games. Look for him to continue producing as long as Detroit plays well.
Gibson started yesterday against the New York Islanders , so look for Cam Talbot (9-5-2) to play.
Projected Lines
Forwards:
Finnie-Larkin-Raymond
DeBrincat-Copp-Leonard
Soderblom-Kasper-Danielson
Rasmussen-Compher-van Riemsdyk
Defence:
Edvinsson-Seider
Chiarot-Sandin Pellikka
Johansson-Bernard-Docker
Please check social media for the very latest lineup news before locking in your daily fantasy rosters.
Prediction
This is a tough matchup for the Mammoth. The Red Wings have won their last two and are 6-2-2 in their last 10. Utah is 4-6-0 in their last 10. The best part of Detroit’s game is their power play, which is ranked ninth. On the other hand, Utah’s penalty kill is ranked seventh. For the Mammoth to win, they’ll need to stay out of the box. However, the Red Wings offence will be too much to handle. Standings wise, Detroit is the likely winner of this meeting.
Prediction: Red Wings win 3-1
Prop Bets
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Red Wings as the favourite to win over the Mammoth at -126. Given how well they’ve been playing this month, we believe that Detroit will take this matchup. For any time goal scorers, we like Lucas Raymond of the Red Wings at +195. He hasn’t scored in his past five games, but Raymond has an exceptional shot and is due for a goal. For the Mammoth, we like Dylan Guenther at +200. Guenther currently has a four-game goal scoring streak and has five in that span. He has 15 on the year.
Main Photo Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Dec 17 Utah Mammoth vs Detroit Red Wings appeared first on Last Word On Hockey .