Utah Mammoth vs Vegas Golden Knights Picks and Predictions for Tuesday April 21 2026
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The Utah Mammoth and Vegas Golden Knights continue their Western Conference First Round series on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, when they meet for Game 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Puck drop is set for 9:30 PM ET, and the game will be televised on ESPN2. Vegas enters the night with a 1-0 series lead and is listed as a -155 moneyline favorite, while Utah comes back at +130. The total is set at 6.5 goals, with the over priced at +114 and the under at -135, while the Mammoth are +1.5 on the puck line at -192 and the Golden Knights are -1.5 at +160. Check out all the available NHL action with our Free NHL picks.
Previous Game Recap
Vegas opened the series with a 4-2 win over Utah in Game 1, but it was not a smooth path from start to finish. The Mammoth grabbed the early edge by scoring once in the first period and once again in the second to take a 2-1 lead into the third. That final period changed the shape of the game, though, as the Golden Knights broke through with three unanswered goals to flip the result and protect home ice. It was a game that stayed competitive deep into the night before Vegas found another level late.
Utah had some strong individual efforts despite coming away with the loss. Logan Cooley produced one of the Mammoth goals and finished with five shots, giving the offense a steady push throughout the game. Kevin Stenlund also scored, adding four shots in an efficient outing, while Lawson Crouse picked up an assist and brought a physical element with nine hits. On the back end, Ian Cole and Sean Durzi each recorded an assist, helping Utah generate enough offense to stay in front through two periods. In goal, Karel Vejmelka faced 30 shots and stopped 27 of them, posting a .900 save percentage even as Vegas surged late.
Vegas got a balanced effort in its comeback win, with several players making key contributions. Ivan Barbashev scored once, Nic Dowd scored once, and Mark Stone added a goal as the Golden Knights found their finishing touch in the third period. Colton Sissons stood out with a goal and an assist, while Noah Hanifin delivered two assists from the blue line to help drive the attack. Mitch Marner, Tomas Hertl, Cole Smith, and Brayden McNabb each added an assist as Vegas spread the offense around. Carter Hart was sharp in net, stopping 31 of 33 shots and finishing with a .939 save percentage to keep the Golden Knights within striking distance before the late rally took over. 
Utah Tries to Answer After Opening Defeat
Utah comes into Game 2 with a 43-33-6 overall record and a 21-17-3 record away from home. Over their last five games, the Mammoth recently lost to Vegas in Game 1, recently lost to St. Louis, recently won over Winnipeg, recently lost to Calgary, and recently lost to Carolina. That stretch shows a team that has had difficulty building consistent momentum, and the opening playoff loss only adds to the urgency heading into this matchup.
The Mammoth averaged 3.27 goals per game during the season while allowing 2.93 goals against per contest. Utah also posted 27.7 shots per game and allowed 26.1 shots against, which points to a team that generally kept games under control in terms of volume. On special teams, the Mammoth scored 46 power-play goals and operated at 20.0 percent, while their penalty kill allowed 54 power-play goals and finished at 78.1 percent. Utah also recorded eight shorthanded goals and did not allow a shorthanded goal.
One area that stands out for Utah is the balance between goals scored and goals allowed, which suggests this team is capable of staying in structured games. At the same time, the lower penalty-kill percentage compared to Vegas can be viewed as a concern in a playoff setting where special teams often matter more. The Mammoth were in position to win Game 1 before the third period slipped away, so turning solid stretches into a full 60-minute effort becomes the key challenge here.
Vegas Looks to Build From Strong Finish
Vegas enters Game 2 with a 39-26-17 record overall and a 20-12-9 mark at home. In their last five games, the Golden Knights recently won over Utah in the series opener, recently won over Seattle, recently won over Winnipeg, recently won over Colorado in overtime, and recently lost to Seattle in a shootout. That run reflects a team playing with confidence, especially after stacking several wins together coming into the postseason.
The Golden Knights averaged 3.22 goals per game and gave up 2.95 goals against, while generating 29.0 shots per contest and allowing only 24.4 shots. Those shot numbers are particularly notable, as Vegas not only creates pressure offensively but also does a strong job limiting what comes back the other way. Their power play produced 58 goals at a 24.6 percent rate, and their penalty kill allowed 38 power-play goals with an 81.4 percent success rate. Vegas also scored six shorthanded goals and, like Utah, did not allow one.
A major strength for Vegas is its ability to tilt the ice with shot volume while also suppressing opposing chances. The Golden Knights finished the season with stronger power-play and penalty-kill percentages than Utah, and that all-around edge gives them a strong platform heading into Game 2. Their comeback win in the opener also showed they can stay composed when trailing, which is an important trait this time of year.
Utah Mammoth vs Vegas Golden Knights Picks and Prediction
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Bruce Marshall | +6,749.00 |
| 2 |  Bryan Power | +5,537.00 |
| 3 |  Tony Karpinski | +4,340.00 |
| 4 |  Pro Sports Picks | +3,905.00 |
| 5 |  The Gold Sheet | +2,237.00 |
Side Pick (Moneyline / Puck Line)
The side leans to Vegas on the moneyline. The Golden Knights already took Game 1, they are back at home where they went 20-12-9, and their recent form has been stronger with four wins in their last five games. Vegas also holds advantages in shots per game, shots allowed, power-play rate, and penalty-kill percentage. Utah has been competitive, but the Golden Knights have the cleaner statistical profile coming into this matchup and already showed they can finish strong against this opponent.
Total Pick (Over/Under)
The total leans to under 6.5 goals. Utah allowed 2.93 goals per game during the season, while Vegas allowed 2.95, and both teams avoided giving up shorthanded goals all year. Game 1 finished with six total goals, which still landed below this number, and both clubs have season-long defensive numbers that suggest a game played in a manageable scoring range. With Vegas allowing only 24.4 shots per game and Utah allowing 26.1, there is enough support here for a lower-scoring result.
Final Score Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights 4 – Utah Mammoth 2
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