Mammoth vs Blues: Game Preview, Lineups & Predictions

The Utah Mammoth arrive at Enterprise Center on Thursday night riding high on a four-game winning streak, looking to extend their impressive start against a St. Louis Blues team still searching for consistency in the early season. With puck drop scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+, this Western Conference matchup promises compelling storylines on both sides.

Momentum Meets Opportunity

Utah enters this contest with a 5-2 record, sitting fourth in the Western Conference standings. The Mammoth have been particularly dominant at home, maintaining an undefeated record at their venue through early season play. Meanwhile, the Blues hold a 3-2-1 record, placing them eighth in the conference as they navigate the challenges of integrating new personnel and finding their identity.

The betting markets reflect Utah's current form, with the Mammoth installed as slight favorites at -105 on the moneyline, while St. Louis comes in at -115. The total is set at 5.5 goals, with oddsmakers expecting a relatively low-scoring affair despite both teams' offensive capabilities.

Projected Lineups and Key Matchups

Utah Mammoth Forward Lines

Head coach André Tourigny will deploy his top line of Clayton Keller centering Barrett Hayton and Nick Schmaltz, a trio that has generated consistent offensive production. Schmaltz enters the game with 10 points in seven games, averaging 1.4 points per contest while logging significant ice time at 19:32 per game.

The second line features the dynamic combination of JJ Peterka, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther. This unit has been particularly effective, with Cooley emerging as a breakout performer and Guenther's powerful slap shot becoming a signature weapon. The improvisational chemistry between Guenther and Peterka has kept Utah's home ice advantage intact.

Jack McBain will suit up on the third line after leaving Tuesday's game against Colorado with an upper-body injury, providing crucial depth alongside Lawson Crouse and Michael Carcone. His return bolsters a forward group that has scored 21 goals this season, ranking 12th in the NHL at 3.0 per game.

Blues Forward Configuration

St. Louis coach Drew Bannister has shuffled his forward lines for this matchup, with Pavel Buchnevich, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyrou forming the top unit. Buchnevich has distributed four assists through six games, while Thomas has established himself as a reliable two-way center.

The Blues' depth takes a hit with Alexey Toropchenko sidelined due to lower and upper body soreness. Oskar Sundqvist will make his season debut after missing six games with a lower-body injury, replacing Alexandre Texier in the lineup. This marks a significant roster adjustment as St. Louis seeks to generate more consistent offensive production after managing just 16 goals in six games.

Defensive Pairings and Goaltending

Utah's blue line features Mikhail Sergachev paired with young Dmitri Simashev, while veteran Nate Schmidt anchors the second pairing with John Marino. The Mammoth defense has been stout, allowing just 16 goals (2.3 per game), the sixth-best mark in the league.

Karel Vejmelka gets the starting nod for Utah, bringing a .911 save percentage and 2.2 goals-against average into the contest. He ranks 23rd in the league in save percentage, providing steady if unspectacular goaltending.

For St. Louis, Jordan Binnington will start between the pipes after Joel Hofer received the nod in recent games. Binnington has posted an .894 save percentage with 93 saves and 11 goals allowed, ranking 38th in the league. The Blues' goaltending inconsistency has contributed to their middling defensive statistics, with 20 goals conceded in six games.

Statistical Advantages and Trends

The Mammoth hold significant advantages in several key categories. Their power play operates at 14.81%, while the Blues convert at 18.75% - though St. Louis has managed just three power-play goals on 16 chances. Special teams could prove decisive in what projects as a tight-checking affair.

Possession metrics favor Utah, particularly in the faceoff circle where players like Logan Cooley have excelled. The Mammoth's ability to control puck possession has translated into sustained offensive zone time and quality scoring chances.

St. Louis enters with a -4 goal differential, ranking 23rd in the league, while Utah boasts a +5 differential that places them ninth overall. These underlying numbers suggest the Mammoth have been the more complete team through the season's opening weeks.

Injury Report Impact

Utah will be without defenseman Sean Durzi (upper body) and forward Alex Kerfoot (lower body), both significant absences that impact depth. The Mammoth assigned Andrew Agozzino to their AHL affiliate in Tucson after the forward cleared waivers, while Kevin Rooney was recalled but is unlikely to dress.

For the Blues, Toropchenko's absence removes a physical presence and penalty-killing specialist. Logan Mailloux returns to the defensive rotation after being a healthy scratch for two games, replacing Matthew Kessel in what Bannister hopes will provide a spark.

Game Preview and Prediction

This matchup pits Utah's momentum and defensive structure against St. Louis's need to establish consistency at home. The Blues have struggled to find offensive rhythm, ranking 28th in the NHL in goals scored, while the Mammoth have balanced their attack effectively.

The over/under of 5.5 goals appears reasonable given both teams' defensive capabilities, though Utah's recent offensive surge suggests scoring potential. The Mammoth have combined with opponents to exceed 5.5 goals in two of seven games, while the Blues have seen this total hit in three of six contests.

Expect a competitive game with special teams playing a crucial role. Utah's ability to generate offense from multiple lines gives them an edge, particularly if they can capitalize on power-play opportunities. The Blues will look to leverage home ice and Binnington's experience to disrupt the Mammoth's winning streak.

What to Watch

Key storylines include how Sundqvist's return affects St. Louis's center depth, whether McBain shows any lingering effects from his injury, and if Dylan Guenther can continue his impressive goal-scoring form. The battle between Utah's structured defensive system and St. Louis's struggling offense will likely determine the game's outcome.

Both teams will also be mindful of maintaining discipline, as penalty minutes could prove costly against opponent power plays that, while not dominant statistically, feature skilled personnel capable of capitalizing on mistakes.

For fans tuning in to ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, this Western Conference clash offers an intriguing contrast in team trajectories - one riding confidence toward potential contention, the other seeking to establish an identity that can carry them through a demanding season. The Mammoth's quest for a fifth consecutive victory faces a legitimate test against a Blues squad hungry to defend home ice and build momentum of their own.