The Vegas Golden Knights enter their first-round matchup against the Utah Mammoth as the hottest team in the league since John Tortorella took the coaching reins.
Tortorella, who benefited from the recent trend of coaches being fired late in a season, has steered the Golden Knights to a 7-0-1 record.
The Mammoth have also been excellent down the stretch, with a 6-3-0 record in the previous nine, setting up a mouthwatering matchup of two in-form teams.
Despite their inconsistent campaign, the Golden Knights have shorter Stanley Cup odds.
Mammoth vs. Golden Knights Odds, Spread, Over/Under
Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights Prediction: NHL Playoff Preview
Tortorella isn’t taking any credit for the impressive finish, which allowed the Golden Knights to secure their second straight Pacific Division crown.
The enigmatic coach said he’s just staying out of the players’ way. He has, of course, done immeasurably more than his humble words suggest.
Their league-best .938 points percentage in the final eight games of the season came after enduring a sour patch of eight wins in a span of 25 games.
They’ve improved in all facets due to a boost in confidence. Tortorella handing the reins to Carter Hart has been his most influential change.
Since Tortorella arrived in Sin City, the Golden Knights have scored the third-most goals per game (4.13) while allowing the fewest (1.88).
The Mammoth have more playoff experience than you’d think for a team entering their first postseason, which will help against such a battle-tested opponent.
They were defensively sound for most of the season, sporting the seventh-fewest goals against average (2.9). While their offence has picked up steam, scoring the second-most goals per game since March 28 (4.5), their defence has regressed, allowing 3.13 goals per game.
Despite the Mammoth’s impressive campaign, they’re facing a Golden Knights team that is finally reaching its potential, playing at a level their hockey odds to win the Cup reflect.
Mammoth vs. Golden Knights Season Series
Utah won two out of three in the regular season, outscoring the Golden Knights 10-5. The Mammoth won the only game in Las Vegas and one of two at home.
Mammoth and Golden Knights Season Stats
| Team | Goals For | Goals Against | Power Play % | Penalty Kill % | 1-Goal Game Record | Home Record | Away Record |
| Mammoth | 3.27 | 2.9 | 20 | 78 | 16-11-6 | 22-16-3 | 21-17-3 |
| Golden Knights | 3.22 | 2.95 | 24.6 | 81.4 | 16-10-17 | 20-12-9 | 19-14-8 |
Mammoth vs. Golden Knights: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not
Hart is 6-0-0 with a .930 save percentage and 1.66 goals-against average (GAA) since Tortorella took charge.
Since the Olympic break, Karel Vejmelka is 11-6-1 with a 0.883 save percentage and 3.14 GAA in net for the Mammoth.
Las Vegas right winger Mark Stone finished the season strong, with at least one point in seven of the 10 games, and Jack Eichel registered 15 points in the last nine games.
Utah’s leading scorer, forward Clayton Keller, completed the season with a 10-game scoring streak, notching 20 points.
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