Columbus vs Utah Mammoth Prediction 3 October 2026
🔊 Both teams got off to an explosive start this season, each scoring six goals in their opening games. Columbus took care of business at Nationwide Arena against Buffalo, while Utah completely shut out Chicago. Now, the Mammoths embark on a five-game road trip, kicking things off in Columbus. The Blue Jackets, however, are dealing with significant issues on defense: Ivan Provorov has been placed on the injured list, and neither Damon Severson nor Dante Fabbro featured against Buffalo.
So far, it’s all square.
📊 Over their last four head-to-head clashes, both teams have come away with two wins apiece, and they've even scored an identical number of goals-12 each. Their most recent encounter took place in March and turned out to be the highest-scoring affair of this stretch. Nine goals in regulation weren’t enough to separate them, but Utah ultimately clinched the victory in overtime, edging it 5-4.
Head-to-head statistics Columbus - Utah Mammoth
The newcomer scored twice
Columbus opened the season with a six-goal outburst against Buffalo, with Matthew Knies emerging as one of the key figures. The forward, who joined the Blue Jackets from Toronto just days before the campaign began, made an immediate impact in his debut, racking up three points-scoring twice and adding an assist. Charlie Coyle chipped in with three assists, while Zach Werenski contributed two more. The special teams also delivered: the hosts converted two of their three power plays and killed off all five penalties they faced.
Things were more complicated on the defensive end. Ivan Provorov is sidelined for several weeks with a lower-body injury, and both Damon Severson and Dante Fabbro were also unavailable against Buffalo. As a result, the workload for the remaining defensemen increased dramatically: Werenski logged 28:46 of ice time, and Denton Mateychuk played 27:28. Despite these personnel issues, Columbus managed to hold their lead after Buffalo pulled within one goal and saw out the opening game with a win.
Match Results: Columbus Blue Jackets
Six unanswered goals
Utah kicked off their season in emphatic style. The Mammoth routed Chicago 6-0, outshooting their opponents 32-15. The scoring was spread throughout the lineup, with 14 different skaters registering points-a new franchise record. Dylan Guenther struck twice on the power play, both times assisted by Clayton Keller. In total, Utah converted two of their three opportunities with the man advantage.
Their play without the puck was just as impressive. Chicago managed only two shots on target in the second period and finished the game with just 15. Utah also dominated the faceoff circle, winning 72.2% of draws-another franchise best. Vincent Trocheck went 11-for-14, Kevin Stenlund claimed six out of eight, and Logan Cooley won seven of ten. After such a commanding home opener, André Tourigny's squad now heads out for a five-game road trip, with Columbus as their first stop.
Match Results: Utah Mammoth
Prediction for the 1st period
Columbus have avoided defeat in the first period in nine of their last ten NHL home games. With that in mind, a cautious approach would be to back the hosts with a 0 handicap in the opening period.
Total Goals Prediction
In eight of Utah’s last nine games, at least six goals were scored combined. The opening game of the new season kept that trend going, so here we’re backing over 5.5 total goals.
Match Outcome Prediction
Columbus have failed to win in regulation in six of their last seven NHL home games. Given this run, backing the visitors looks more appealing - Utah double chance in regulation (X2).
⭐️ Editorial Prediction
Both teams kicked off the season with six goals apiece, so fans may not have to wait long for the action to heat up in this clash. Columbus found the net three times in the opening period against Buffalo, though they also conceded once. Utah struck first in their matchup with Chicago, ultimately finishing with six goals in total.
The strongest case here comes from Utah’s recent run: in eight of their last nine road games, at least two goals have been scored in the opening period. On top of that, Columbus are dealing with defensive absences-Provorov is on the injury list, while Severson and Fabbro also missed the opener. Given both teams’ explosive starts, it makes sense to focus on early scoring. My pick: over 1.5 goals in the first period.
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Betting Tips: Columbus Blue Jackets - Utah Mammoth
in 7 of last 8 games (NHL).
in 8 of last 9 away games (NHL).in 13 of last 14 games (NHL).in 6 of last 7 home games (NHL).in 9 of last 10 home games (NHL).in 6 of last 7 home games (NHL).
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