Utah Mammoth vs. New York Rangers Pick and Prediction for Monday January 5, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Utah Mammoth are traveling to New York to face the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The game has a puck drop time of 7:00 PM and will be broadcast across the country on ESPN+. Fans and bettors alike can look forward to an intriguing inter-conference battle as the Mammoth make their annual visit to the historic arena in Midtown Manhattan. For more great NHL picks, find our free NHL picks.
Utah Looks to Conquer the Garden
The Utah Mammoth enter this contest with a season record of 19-20-3, struggling to find a consistent rhythm as they hover near the .500 mark. Over their last five games, the team has posted a 2-3 record, showing flashes of high-end scoring balanced by defensive lapses. In their most recent outing on January 3, the Mammoth suffered a 4-1 loss on the road against the New Jersey Devils, a game where they struggled to generate sustained offensive pressure.
Statistically, the Mammoth have been efficient at even strength, averaging 3.02 goals for per game. However, their special teams have left room for improvement; the power play is currently converting at a 16.1% rate, while the penalty kill has been more reliable, successfully thwarting 81.8% of opponent opportunities. Utah averages 28.5 shots on goal per game and has been disciplined defensively, limiting opponents to just 25.2 shots per contest.
Between the pipes, the Mammoth rely on the duo of K. Vejmelka and V. Vanecek. Vejmelka has been the primary workhorse, posting 17 wins, 11 losses, and 2 overtime losses with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage. Vanecek has stepped in for 12 games, recording 2 wins, 9 losses, and 1 overtime loss, while carrying a 2.92 goals-against average and a .879 save percentage.
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No injuries reported.
Rangers Aim to Defend Home Ice
The New York Rangers come into this game with an overall record of 20-18-5. They have navigated a difficult middle section of the schedule, going 2-3 over their last five games. The Rangers were successful in their last game, however, securing a dominant 5-1 victory at home against the Florida Panthers on January 2. That win snapped a brief losing streak and provided a much-needed boost to their confidence as they continue their current homestand.
From a team stats perspective, the Rangers are averaging 2.60 goals for per game while allowing 2.72 goals against. Their power play has been a distinct advantage, clicking at a 21.2% success rate, which is paired with an 80.3% penalty kill. New York plays a more conservative game than their opponents, averaging 25.7 shots on goal per game and allowing 28.6 shots against their own netminder.
In goal, the Rangers feature one of the league's top tandems in I. Shesterkin and J. Quick. Shesterkin has earned 17 wins, 12 losses, and 4 overtime losses this season, maintaining a 2.47 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage. The veteran Quick has been excellent in a supporting role, posting 3 wins, 6 losses, and 1 overtime loss with a sharp 2.11 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage.
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Noah Laba (C): OUT - Est. Return Jan 10
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Conor Sheary (LW): IR-LT - Est. Return Jan 26
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Adam Edstrom (C): IR-LT - Est. Return Jan 8
Analysis & Betting Picks
Moneyline: Utah Mammoth (+110)
Despite the Rangers coming off a big win, their 5-10-3 home record is a major red flag for bettors. Utah has been a better team away from home than their record suggests, and they possess the offensive metrics to challenge New York's defensive structure. At plus-money, the Mammoth represent the better value in a game where the goaltending matchup is relatively even.
Total: Under 5.5 (+105)
With I. Shesterkin and K. Vejmelka likely facing off, goals will be hard to come by. Both teams have penalty kill units hovering around 80% or higher, and the Rangers' low-event style of play at home often leads to lower-scoring affairs. Expect a tight 3-2 or 2-1 type of game that stays under the total of 5.5.
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