NHL Predictions: January 31st, Dallas Stars vs Utah Mammoth

Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions! In this matchup, the Utah Mammoth return home to take on the Dallas Stars. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season. 

NHL Predictions: Dallas Stars vs Utah Mammoth

Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Head-to-Head: Stars 1-1 Mammoth

How to Watch TV: Utah16; Victory+; ESPN+

Location: Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah Clayton Keller and the Mammoth return to Utah for a meeting with Mikko Rantanen and the Stars.

Dallas Stars Side

The Stars (31-14-9) enter this game coming off a thrilling 5-4 shootout win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. Dallas has struggled a bit recently, going 6-7-4. They also won just two out of nine to begin the month, but things have been better lately. The Stars have won four out of five and have scored three or more goals in four of them. Jason Robertson continues to lead the way. He has 30 goals in 54 games, which is third in the NHL and first on the Stars. After having just 35 goals all of last season, the pending restricted free agent is on pace to shatter that mark this year.

Wyatt Johnston has had a great season, especially on the power play. The young centre leads the NHL in power play goals with 17. He’s a key contributor for Dallas.

Jake Oettinger (21-10-4) has also struggled this month, but he’s still claimed victory in his last four starts. Expect Oettinger to start against the Mammoth.

Utah Mammoth Side

The Mammoth (28-22-4) are coming off a shocking 5-4 defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. The Mammoth were up 4-2 with two minutes left in the third period, then conceded three quicks goals to lose the game. Utah’s still without key players entering this game. Logan Cooley is still out with a lower-body injury, but has started skating. While Dylan Guenther also has a lower-body injury and missed the last two games. He’s currently day-to-day and his status versus the Stars is unknown. Keller continues to lead the team in points with 50 in 54 games. Utah will need to shutdown Rantanen, Robertson, and Johnston in order to win. Karel Vejmelka (25-13-2) has been one of the hottest goaltenders in the league. His 25 wins is first among all goalies, and is already one shy of tying his win total from last year. He should get the nod for this game.

NHL Prediction

It’s pretty clear that the Stars are the favourites to win this game. They have 11 more points than the Mammoth and in better standing. Dallas is third in the Western Conference’s Central Division. The Stars are ahead of Utah in most categories; 11th in goals per game, second in power play, and fifth in goals allowed. Without Cooley and Guenther, it will be difficult for the Mammoth to keep up with the firepower of the Stars. Utah’s at their best when they play strong defence, sitting sixth in goals allowed. If they can play a good defensive game, the Mammoth could pull off the upset. However, the bettors think the Stars (-124) will be too much to handle in this one, and we think so too. Prediction: Stars win 4-1

Prop Bets of the Night

Any Time Goal Scorer- JJ Peterka +240

Peterka has scored three times in five games. Look for him to add another.

Any Time Goal Scorer- Matt Duchene +330

Duchene has scored in three consecutive games and has four goals over that span.

3+ Shots on Goal- Wyatt Johnston +142

Johnston recorded three or more shots in each of the last five games. He has 28 goals on the season and is always looking to score.

Projected lineups are based on available data at time of writing. Please check social media and official team sources for the very latest lineup news before locking in any daily fantasy roster or prop wagers.

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