The Los Angeles Kings (28-25-16) and Utah Mammoth (36-28-6) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 9:00 p.m. EDT at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Utah are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 5.5 (-121o / -103u). The Utah are a -175 favorite to win outright, while the Kings are +145 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Kings vs. Mammoth predictions and NHL picks.
Kings vs. Mammoth Odds, Pick
| Kings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -180 | 5.5 -120o / 100u | +150 |
| Utah Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +150 | 5.5 -120o / 100u | -180 |
- Kings vs. Mammoth Spread: Mammoth -1.5 (+150), Kings +1.5 (-180)
- Kings vs. Mammoth Over/Under: 5.5 (-120o / +100u)
- Kings vs. Mammoth Moneyline: Kings +150, Mammoth -180
Kings vs. Mammoth Preview
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are coming off a 4-1 home loss to Buffalo yesterday afternoon but remain firmly in the Wild Card race, sitting just one point behind Nashville for the final spot. Los Angeles has gone 4-4-2 in March and, for much of the season, has been reliable on the defensive side, ranking eighth in both goals against per 60 and expected goals against.
That defensive consistency has wavered of late. Over their last 10 games, the Kings still rank well in expected goals against at fifth but are allowing 3.26 goals against per 60, which places them 19th in that span.
There has, however, been a noticeable improvement offensively following the addition of Artemi Panarin on February 4.
Prior to the move, the Kings were averaging just 2.56 goals per game with a -23.53 goals for above expected mark. Over their last 10 games with Panarin in the lineup, that has climbed to 3.1 goals per game, alongside an improved -2.25 goals for above expected. While that number still isn’t great, it places Los Angeles closer to the middle of the pack over that stretch.
If the Kings do find a way into the postseason, it will likely come with one of the lowest points percentages among playoff teams of all time. Currently sitting at .522 with an incredibly easy schedule over their final 13 games, they just might find a way.
In goal, Anton Forsberg handled the start yesterday, which should lead to Darcy Kuemper getting the nod here. Kuemper has been sharp recently, posting a 2-0-2 record across his last four appearances with a .909 SV% and a 1.97 GAA.
Utah Mammoth
One side is fighting for the last Wild Card spot, while the other is trying to hold onto the first. Utah has won just two of its last seven games but has still managed to grab points in two of the losses, going 2-3-2 over the stretch.
Utah plays with speed, and its top six carries plenty of scoring potential. Clayton Keller leads the team with 67 points, while Nick Schmaltz is on pace for around 30 goals. Dylan Guenther has been red-hot, scoring seven of his 34 goals over the last 10 games, and JJ Paterka has already passed 20 with 22 on the season.
At 5-on-5, the numbers look strong for the Mammoth, ranking in the top 10 across most key offensive metrics, including sixth in goals scored and expected goal percentage. Defensively, they’re solid as well, sitting 10th in expected goals against.
Special teams have been a different story. The power play struggles at 16.7% (28th in the league), while the penalty kill has been slightly better at 78.9% (19th). Utah takes a fair number of penalties, about eight minutes per 60, but has killed off all 10 chances over its last three games, showing some improvement.
Karel Vejmelka will get the start tonight. He’s been heavily relied on this season, leading the league with 53 starts and posting an 11.8 GSAx and .899 SV%. His last outing was a shutout against Vegas, stopping all 28 shots, and he’ll look to build on that performance tonight.
Kings vs. Mammoth Prediction
The Kings have gone to overtime in 26 games this season, which makes me a little nervous here, but the combination of playing a back-to-back on the road at Salt Lake City's elevation should be enough to push this one across the line.
I was tempted to take the -1.5 puck line, but given Los Angeles's tendency to keep games close, the 3-way moneyline feels like the right call.
The Kings did win the only meeting between these two teams back in December, but Utah is simply the better team at this point in the season, and the scheduling spot doesn't do Los Angeles any favors tonight.
Pick: Mammoth 3-Way Moneyline
