Golden Knights vs Mammoth: Epic Showdown

Introduction

The Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth clashed in a thrilling Western Conference matchup on November 20, 2025. With both teams battling for playoff positioning, this game delivered high-stakes hockey at the Delta Center. The Golden Knights (9-4-6) looked to build momentum after a recent win, while the Mammoth (10-7-3) aimed to solidify their standing.

The Golden Knights take the ice for their matchup against the Mammoth. - Image from https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.kW7OC2MRPCv5ZVMbJGPRRgHaFE?pid=Api

Key Matchup Preview

This game featured two contrasting styles. Vegas relied on veteran leadership despite significant injury setbacks, including key players like Adin Hill, William Karlsson, and Mark Stone sidelined. Their projected lineup saw Jack Eichel centering a top line with Mitch Marner, while Akira Schmid started in net with a 2.4 GAA. Utah countered with explosive young talent, led by Nick Schmaltz (22 points in 20 games) and Clayton Keller. The Mammoth's defensive corps featured Mikhail Sergachev and Dmitri Simashev, with Karel Vejmelka in goal.

Projected Lineups

Golden Knights:

Forwards: Ivan Barbashev-Jack Eichel-Branden Bowman | Pavel Dorofeyev-Tomas Hertl-Mitch Marner | Brandon Saad-Brett Howden-Reilly Smith
Defense: Brayden McNabb-Shea Theodore | Noah Hanifin-Zach Whitecloud | Ben Hutton-Kaedan Korczak
Goalies: Carl Lindbom, Akira Schmid

Mammoth:

Forwards: Clayton Keller-Barrett Hayton-Nick Schmaltz | Michael Carcone-Logan Cooley-Dylan Guenther | JJ Peterka-Jack McBain-Lawson Crouse
Defense: Mikhail Sergachev-Dmitri Simashev | Nate Schmidt-John Marino | Ian Cole-Nick DeSimone
Goalies: Karel Vejmelka, Vitek Vanecek

Utah welcomed back key defenseman Sean Durzi (day-to-day shoulder injury), while Vegas assigned Tanner Laczynski to AHL Henderson to create roster flexibility.

Sergachev patrols the blue line during a key defensive shift. - Image from https://duckduckgo.com/?origin=funnel_home_website&t=h_&q=Utah+Mammoth+defenseman+Mikhail+Sergachev+NHL&ia=images&iax=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fc8.alamy.com%2Fcomp%2F3CN1YWC%2Futah-mammoth-defenseman-mikhail-sergachev-speaks-during-media-day-ahead-of-the-2025-2026-national-hockey-league-season-wednesday-september-17-2025-in-sandy-utah-tyler-tate-via-ap-3CN1YWC.jpg

Betting Odds & Key Stats

The betting lines favored Vegas (-115 moneyline) with a 6-goal total. Key statistical battles included:

Eichel's elite playmaking (24 points in 19 games)
Contrasting goalie performances (Schmid's .899 SV% vs Vejmelka's .883)
Mammoth's top power play unit (ranked 8th in NHL)

Fans could catch all the action via ESPN+ and Fubo streaming, with puck drop at 9 p.m. ET.

Conclusion

This matchup showcased the NHL's depth and competitive balance. Vegas's veteran resilience against Utah's youthful energy created compelling hockey drama. As both teams navigate injury challenges, this game highlighted their strategic adjustments and playoff determination. The Golden Knights maintained their sixth-place standing while the Mammoth kept pace in the tight Western Conference race.