Mammoth vs Ducks: Clash of Titans

The NHL stage is set for a high-octane showdown as the Utah Mammoth (10-7-1) travel to face the Anaheim Ducks (11-6-1) at the iconic Honda Center on Monday, November 17th, 2025. This intriguing matchup pits two teams with potent offenses and contrasting styles against each other, promising an evening of fast-paced hockey.

Team Previews: Offense on Parade

Both teams come into this game boasting impressive offensive firepower. The Ducks, led by the dynamic trio of Chris Kreider, Leo Carlsson, and Troy Terry on the top line, have consistently found the back of the net. They'll be looking to bounce back from a tough 0-2 road trip where they feel they left points on the table.

The Utah Mammoth, meanwhile, counter with one of the league's most dangerous top units featuring Clayton Keller centering Logan Cooley and Nick Schmaltz. Their depth is evident with Barrett Hayton and Dylan Guenther on the second line. The Mammoth are coming off a narrow 2-3 loss to the New York Islanders, showing they can compete with the best.

Key Storylines and Injuries

This game carries extra significance with several key storylines:

• The Ducks' Road Woes: After a winless three-game trip, Anaheim is eager to get back on track at home. Head coach Joel Quenneville acknowledged the team was competitive but noted "self-inflicted wounds" and a need for better discipline, especially after taking 14 penalty minutes in the recent loss to Minnesota. The Ducks are 4th in the league in penalty minutes per game.
• Gudas Returns: A massive boost for Anaheim is the return of captain Radko Gudas after missing 11 games with a lower-body injury. His physicality and leadership are sorely needed. His insertion into the lineup means rookie Pavel Mintyukov becomes the healthy scratch. Gudas will pair with Ian Moore on the third defensive pair.
• Ducks' Injury Front: Anaheim remains without forwards Ryan Poehling (upper body) and Mikael Granlund (lower body). Granlund, who had just returned and scored, reaggravated his injury and is day-to-day. Poehling is also day-to-day. This continues to test the Ducks' forward depth.
• Mammoth's Goalie Decision: It's expected that Karel Vejmelka will get the start in net for Utah, looking to build on his solid season.

"We both have some high-octane offense... It should be a pretty competitive game. Hopefully, back and forth. It’s a little bit of a rivalry with these guys. The games always are a little bit chippy, so it should be a fun one tonight."

– Ryan Strome, Anaheim Ducks

Coaching Perspectives & The Rivalry

Both coaches recognize the challenge. Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville emphasized the need to learn from the road trip and capitalize on "home cooking." Mammoth head coach André Tourigny praised the Ducks' talent, maturity, and coaching staff, calling them "tough to play against."

Strome summed up the feeling perfectly, highlighting the "rivalry" aspect and the "chippy" nature of past games. With both teams known for speed and physical play, this matchup could easily escalate into a heated, back-and-forth affair. The Ducks, looking to prove their home dominance, will need to stay disciplined against a Mammoth team eager to assert their offensive prowess.

What to Watch For

Keep an eye on the battle down the middle – Carlsson and Cooley are generational talents. How the Ducks' defense, bolstered by Gudas's return, handles the Mammoth's speed will be crucial. Can Anaheim's top line solve Vejmelka? Conversely, can the Ducks' defense corps, with the experienced Jacob Trouba pairing with rookie Olen Zellweger, contain Keller and company?

With both teams sitting near the top of their respective divisions, this game has significant playoff implications. Expect intensity, speed, and plenty of scoring chances in what promises to be a memorable clash at the Honda Center.

Prediction

While the Ducks have the home ice advantage and a motivated Gudas returning, the Mammoth's elite offensive talent gives them a slight edge. Expect a close, physical game, but Utah's top line could ultimately be the difference. Look for the Utah Mammoth to edge out a 4-3 victory in a high-scoring affair.