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NHL Predictions: December 8th Los Angeles Kings vs Utah Mammoth

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Welcome back to another 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. For this edition, we will look at the Los Angeles Kings visiting the Utah Mammoth. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

The Kings (13-8-7) head to Utah after a dominant 6-0 home victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Los Angeles currently sits third in the Pacific Division and have gone 3-3-0 in their last six games. Leading the way for Los Angeles is Adrian Kempe, who has nine goals and 15 assists on the season.

The Kings are one of the best defensive teams, allowing just 2.5 goals and 26.6 shots on goal per game. Those marks are good enough for third and seventh in the NHL respectively. However, offence has been an issue all season long. Los Angeles has scored just 75 goals, which is 27th overall.

Darcy Kuemper (9-6-5) is expected to start for the Kings. Kuemper recorded the shutout against the Blackhawks. This is a good time for our disclaimer. Please check social media for the latest lineup news before locking in your daily fantasy roster.

The Mammoth Side

The Mammoth return home after completing their six-game road trip. Utah was recently shutout 2-0 by the Calgary Flames and went 2-4 during the trip. There is a possibility the Mammoth will be without star centre Logan Cooley for this game due to a lower-body injury. Cooley was a late scratch ahead of the game against the Flames, the injury was likely sustained on a play against the Vancouver Canucks in which he fell awkwardly and caught his left leg on the right post next to Kevin Lankinen. The 21-year-old has 23 points this year and will undergo further testing once the team returns back to Utah.

The Mammoth have the right players to be a high scoring team. They’ve scored 91 goals this season, which is ninth overall. Unlike the Kings, defence was problematic for Utah. They have a low goals against average at 2.87. Utah is fourth in the Central Division.

Karel Vejmelka (12-7-2) is slated to start for the Mammoth.

NHL Predictions

This is a matchup that could go either way. The Kings are an excellent road team at 9-2-4, while the Mammoth are a better home team at 7-3-1. Both teams haven’t performed well on the power play, so this game could come down to who converts while on the man advantage.

If Cooley is out for this game, that puts the Mammoth at a big disadvantage. Barrett Hayton, who was a healthy scratch due to his poor play for two games would likely fill in for Cooley on Utah’s top line. As far as predicting how this will go, we believe the Kings will win the special teams battle and take the two points.

Prediction: Kings win 4-1

Prop Bets

Although the Kings are higher in the league standings, the Mammoth have the better odds to win. That’s according to FanDuel Sportsbook. For any time goal scorers, look to Kevin Fiala for the Kings. He leads the team in goals scored with 10 and his spot on the top power play unit could help him in this game. As for the Mammoth, watch out for Lawson Crouse. While he has just seven goals this year, Crouse had just 12 all of last season. He’s been much more noticeable the past couple of games and could get another.

Main Photo: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

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