The Utah Mammoth are heading into their second game of the season with momentum and a much tougher test waiting in Columbus.
After steamrolling the Chicago Blackhawks 6-0 at home on Thursday, Utah now opens a five-game road trip against the Blue Jackets. The Mammoth were in control for the overwhelming majority of that win, and they’ll try to keep that same edge tonight against a Columbus team that also enters at 1-0-0.
Puck drop is set for Oct. 3 at 5:00 p.m. MT, with coverage on ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney Plus.
Both clubs are healthy. Columbus is carrying no injuries, while Utah’s only absence is Maveric Lamoureux, who underwent shoulder surgery during the week.
The matchup figures to be a different kind of challenge for Utah. Chicago had trouble generating much of anything in the offensive zone, but Columbus brings more punch. Matthew Knies made an immediate impact for the Blue Jackets with two goals and an assist, and that kind of production is exactly what Utah won’t be able to take lightly.
Against the Blackhawks, Utah set the tone by leaning into the physical side of the game. The Mammoth finished by controlling the hits battle and using that edge to smother Chicago’s offense, leading to the first home shutout in Utah history.
Still, this one looks tighter on paper. The expectation is that Utah will keep creating offense, especially through its dangerous second line, but won’t run away with it the way it did Thursday.
Prediction: Utah 5, Columbus 3.
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