NHL Predictions: Utah Mammoth vs Seattle Kraken, April 2nd

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

NHL Predictions: Utah Mammoth vs Seattle Kraken

Head-to-Head: Mammoth 2-0 Kraken

How to Watch: US TV: ESPN+; Hulu

Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Location: Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington

The Mammoth Side

The Mammoth (38-30-6) come in after getting a crucial 6-2 victory against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. Not only are the Kings chasing Utah in the wild card race, the Kraken are as well. The Mammoth still control the first wild card spot in the Western Conference with 82 points, while Los Angeles and Seattle are on the outside. Logan Cooley scored a pair of goals in the win. He’s struggled to score since returning from injury, so he may be finding his scoring touch again. It would be a good time with the Mammoth pushing, and the playoffs just around the corner. Utah’s 4-5-1 in their last 10 games.

Since the Mammoth haven’t played since Saturday, so expect Karel Vejmelka (33-19-3) to start versus the Kraken.

Injuries: Barrett Hayton– OUT (Upper-body)

The Kraken Side

The Kraken (32-30-11) come in having lost two straight and are 3-5-2 in their last 10. Because the race is so tight, Seattle needs to string together wins if they hope to make the playoffs. The Kraken are four spots out of the second wild card with 75 points. Bobby McMann has been Seattle’s top performer of late. Since the trade deadline move from the Toronto Maple Leafs, McMann has 11 points in nine games. He missed five due to the visa process. The Kraken will need Joey Daccord to play like he did last season, where he had 27 wins. The goaltender’s numbers have dipped this year, so Daccord needs to find his game and fast.

Expect Daccord (19-18-6) to start against the Mammoth.

Injuries: Shane Wright-DAY-TO-DAY (Upper-body); Ryan Winterton– OUT (Personal)

NHL Predictions

Both the Mammoth and Kraken will be playing like it’s the playoffs because everything rides on this game. Utah remains in control of their own destiny, while Seattle needs a win streak and some help. In terms of stats, the Mammoth have the clear advantage. They’re 13th in goals, sixth in goals against, and fifth in shots allowed. The Kraken are the opposite. They’re 26th in goals, 13th in goals allowed, and 31st in shots allowed. Seattle will need players like captain Jordan Eberle and Matty Beniers to lead the team. While, Utah will look to captain Clayton Keller and Dylan Guenther for offence. Because of the circumstances, we think this’ll be a close finish. However, the Mammoth will win.

Prediction: Mammoth win 3-2

Prop Bets

Any time goal scorers:

Logan Cooley (+240)- Cooley has three goals on the last two games, including a two goal game. He could be on track to get another against the Kraken.

Jordan Eberle (+290)- Eberle’s been one of Seattle’s most consistent players this season. He has 23 goals this year.

Projected lineups are based on available data at the 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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