Central Division Rivalry Renewed as Mammoth Visit Predators
NASHVILLE, January 24, 2026 – The Utah Mammoth and Nashville Predators are set to face off tonight at Bridgestone Arena in a crucial Central Division matchup. With just four points separating the fourth-place Mammoth and fifth-place Predators in the standings, the result could have significant implications for the playoff picture. This is the second of four scheduled meetings this season.
Historical Head-to-Head
The all-time series between these franchises is brief but competitive. The then-named Utah Hockey Club faced Nashville three times during the 2024-25 season, splitting the results. The Predators earned a decisive 4-0 victory on November 9, 2024, but Utah responded with a 7-3 road win later that season. In their first meeting as the rebranded Mammoth on October 11, 2025, Utah secured a 3-2 overtime victory in Nashville, giving them a slight 2-1-1 edge in the overall series.
Current Season Snapshot
| Team | Record (W-L-OTL) | Points | Central Division Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Mammoth | 26-20-4 | 56 | 4th |
| Nashville Predators | 24-22-4 | 52 | 5th |
Team News & Context
The Predators are looking to rebound after a 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues out of the Christmas break, which ended a three-game win streak. Forward Jonathan Marchessault remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury and did not play in that contest. Defenceman Justin Barron has been activated from Injured Reserve.
For the Mammoth, this game continues a challenging stretch against division rivals. The Utah franchise is in its second NHL season but its first playing under the permanent “Mammoth” moniker and branding, having operated as the Utah Hockey Club during its 2024-25 expansion campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the all-time record between the Mammoth and Predators?
The Utah franchise (including its time as the Hockey Club) holds a 2-1-1 advantage over Nashville in four all-time meetings.
Where do these teams stand in the playoff race?
As of January 24, the Mammoth sit fourth in the Central Division with 56 points, while the Predators are fifth with 52 points. The top three teams in each division earn automatic playoff berths, with two wild-card spots available for the next best teams in the conference.
Is this a new NHL team?
Yes, the Utah franchise began play in the 2024-25 season as the Utah Hockey Club after the NHL’s hockey assets from the Arizona Coyotes were transferred to Utah. The team adopted its permanent “Mammoth” name and branding for the 2025-26 season.
Who are the key players to watch for Nashville?
Captain Roman Josi and forwards Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos lead the Predators’ offence. Goaltender Juuse Saros is a key fixture in net. The status of scorer Jonathan Marchessault will be a game-time decision.