The Los Angeles Kings travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Mammoth on March 22, 2026, in an important NHL regular-season matchup at the Delta Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+. This contest arrives at a crucial stage of the season as both teams continue their push for playoff positioning.
Los Angeles are still fighting hard for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. The Kings recently suffered a 4–1 defeat against Buffalo but remain only one point behind Nashville in the standings. Over the past month, the team has shown mixed form, yet they remain competitive thanks to a strong defensive structure that has been reliable for most of the season. Recently, their offense has improved following the arrival of Artemi Panarin, whose addition in February has helped boost the team’s scoring output.
Utah Mammoth enter the game with a stronger overall record and remain ahead in the playoff race. The team relies on speed and attacking depth, led by players like Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, and Dylan Guenther. Utah has been productive at even strength and ranks among the better offensive teams at five-on-five. However, the Mammoth have had some inconsistency in recent games and are looking to regain momentum at home after several difficult results.
Another important factor in this matchup is the goaltending battle. Los Angeles are expected to start Darcy Kuemper, who has been in strong form recently. Utah, meanwhile, will likely rely on Karel Vejmelka, who has carried a heavy workload this season and recently recorded a shutout performance.
With playoff pressure rising and both teams needing points, this game could turn into a tight and competitive contest between two motivated Western Conference sides.
Match Information
| Match | Los Angeles Kings vs Utah Mammoth |
|---|---|
| Date | March 22, 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Delta Center |
| Location | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Broadcast | ESPN+ |
Betting Odds
| Market | Kings | Mammoth |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +1.5 (-180) | -1.5 (+150) |
| Moneyline | +150 | -180 |
| Total | – | 5.5 |
Utah enters the matchup as the betting favorite due to its stronger season record and home advantage.
Recent Form
Los Angeles Kings – Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 21 | Buffalo Sabres | Loss 1–4 |
| Mar 18 | — | Mixed results |
| Mar 15 | — | Win |
| Mar 13 | — | Loss |
| Mar 11 | — | Win |
Los Angeles have been inconsistent but remain competitive in the playoff race.
Utah Mammoth – Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 20 | Vegas Golden Knights | Win 4–0 |
| Mar 18 | — | Loss |
| Mar 16 | — | Loss |
| Mar 13 | — | Loss |
| Mar 11 | — | Win |
Utah have won only two of their last seven games but still remain in a strong position in the standings.
Head-to-Head History
The Kings and Mammoth have met only once this season.
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | Kings 4 – Mammoth 3 |
The Kings won the previous meeting, but Utah currently appear to be the stronger team overall.
Team Leaders
Utah Mammoth
| Player | Key Stats |
|---|---|
| Clayton Keller | 67 points |
| Dylan Guenther | 34 goals |
| Nick Schmaltz | Close to 30 goals |
These players form the core of Utah’s attacking unit and continue to deliver strong offensive numbers.
Los Angeles Kings
| Player | Key Stats |
|---|---|
| Artemi Panarin | 24 goals |
| Adrian Kempe | 26 goals |
| Team offense | Improved since Panarin’s arrival |
Panarin’s addition has helped the Kings improve their scoring output in recent games.
Goaltending Matchup
| Team | Goalie | Key Form |
|---|---|---|
| Kings | Darcy Kuemper | 2-0-2 in last four games |
| Mammoth | Karel Vejmelka | Coming off shutout vs Vegas |
Both goaltenders are capable of strong performances, which could keep the game close.
Team Statistics Comparison
| Category | Mammoth | Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Goals per Game | 3.13 | 2.61 |
| Goals Allowed | 2.79 | 2.93 |
| Shots per Game | 27.4 | 27.5 |
| Power Play | 16.49% | 17.59% |
| Penalty Kill | 78.8% | 75.12% |
Utah have the advantage offensively, while Los Angeles rely more on defensive discipline.
Player Prop Picks
| Player | Pick |
|---|---|
| Dylan Guenther | Anytime Goal |
| Clayton Keller | Over 0.5 Points |
| Artemi Panarin | Anytime Goal |
| Adrian Kempe | Over 0.5 Points |
These players are among the most consistent scorers on their respective teams.
Best Betting Picks
| Bet Type | Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Mammoth |
| Spread | Kings +1.5 |
| Total | Over 5.5 |
| Player Prop | Guenther Anytime Goal |
Utah’s overall balance and home advantage give them a slight edge in this matchup.
How to Watch Kings vs Mammoth
Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+. The matchup will take place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City with puck drop scheduled for 9:00 PM ET.
Final Prediction
The Kings are still battling hard for a playoff position and have improved offensively since the addition of Artemi Panarin. However, Utah’s depth in attack and overall performance this season give them the advantage heading into this matchup.
The Mammoth are likely to push the pace with their fast offensive style, while Los Angeles may rely on defensive structure and goaltending to stay in the game. Expect a close contest with Utah eventually finding the winning goal.
Predicted Score
Utah Mammoth 3 – Los Angeles Kings 2
