NHL Predictions: February 2nd, Vancouver Canucks at Utah Mammoth

Welcome back to 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 edition, we will look at the Vancouver Canucks taking on the Utah Mammoth. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions: Vancouver Canucks at Utah Mammoth

2025-2026 Season Series: Vancouver 0-1 Utah

Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), 6:30 p.m. Pacific

How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SNP, Utah16, ESPN+, NHL Centre Ice

Location: Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah

Vancouver begins February on a quick two-game road trip before the Olympic break, starting in Utah on Monday night. Vancouver sits at 18-31-6 after 55 games, with 42 points, while Utah sits at 28-23-4 after 55 games, with 60 points. This marks the second of three meetings between these two teams. The Mammoth won the first game, 4-1, on December 5th.

The Canucks Story

Vancouver has been looking a bit better as of late, getting points in their last two contests against playoff-caliber teams in the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs. As they have gotten progressively healthier, they have been more competitive in their games. They are looking for any bright spots they can find as they continue their season. Elias Pettersson has quietly gotten five assists in his last five games, Teddy Blueger has three goals in his last five games, and Tom Willander has two goals and one assist in his last five games.

The Mammoth Story

Utah has lost each of their last two games in regulation, and are currently tied with the Los Angeles Kings for the final Western Conference Stanley Cup Playoff Wild Card spot. As the Central Division is likely out of reach for the Mammoth, a wild card spot is the only path to playoffs for them. It will likely be a battle down to the wire for a playoff spot in the West, so a game against the last-place Canucks is game they just have to win. Special teams is one aspect of the game that needs to improve, as they currently rank last in the league on the power play. However, they will be facing a Vancouver team with the worst penalty killing in the league. An interesting special teams matchup, to be sure.

Starting Goalies

Below are the projected starters for tonight’s game. Please check social media for the most updated information before locking in your daily fantasy lineups.

For Vancouver, we expect Kevin Lankinen to get the start. In 30 games this season, he has a record of 7-17-4, a 3.54 goals-against average, and an .881 save percentage. He’ll look to bounce back after being pulled in his last start against the San Jose Sharks.

For Utah, Karel Vejmelka will be the projected starter. He has an impressive record of 25-14-2, a 2.63 goals-against-average, and a .901 save percentage through 42 games. He is currently tied for the league lead in wins and games played.

Prediction and Best Bets

The Mammoth need this game badly. With some strong goaltending and a good defensive effort, they should be able to hold off the Canucks. It will be interesting to see if the worst power play in the league can break through against the worst penalty killing in the league.

Prediction: Mammoth win 4-2.

Best Bets

To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. For the Canucks, we will pick young prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki to chip in with a goal. On the Mammoth side, we will pick leading scorer Clayton Keller to pot a goal.

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