Game Details
The Utah Mammoth (18-19-3) will take on the New York Islanders (22-14-4) in an interconference matchup. Puckdrop is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET.
It will be held at UBS Arena in Elmont (Belmont Park), New York, the home venue for the Islanders.
Broadcast options include NHL Network for national viewers and ESPN for live scores and highlights.
This is the third meeting between the teams this season, with the Islanders holding a 2-0-0 edge, including a recent 3-2 victory on November 14, 2025.
Recent Team Forms
The Mammoth are coming off a 3-4 loss to the Nashville Predators, part of a 4-6-0 mark in their last 10 games.
They average 2.92 goals per game (GPG) but allow 3.4, with a .879 save percentage (SV%) highlighting goaltending issues.
Recent results include an OT win vs. Winnipeg but losses to Colorado, New Jersey, and Boston.
The Islanders secured a 3-2 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks in their last outing, going 6-3-1 in their last 10.
They score 3.1 GPG and allow 2.8, with solid special teams play. New York has won three of their last five, showing defensive consistency at home.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | GPG (Last 10) | GA/G (Last 10) |
| Utah Mammoth | L-L-OTW-L-W | L2 | 2.9 | 3.4 |
| New York Islanders | W-SOW-L-W-OTL | W1 | 3.1 | 2.8 |
Injury Report
The Mammoth are without key players, impacting their depth. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka is on IR (expected return Jan. 1, but listed out), and center Logan Cooley is on IR until Feb. 4.
No other major absences are reported, but the team is monitoring minor issues.
The Islanders have five players on the injury report, including starting goalie Ilya Sorokin (unspecified, sidelined last five games; IR Jan. 3).
Backup Semyon Varlamov is out, along with Ethan Bear (undisclosed), Pierre Engvall (ankle), Kyle Palmieri (knee), and Alexander Romanov (knee).
| Team | Player | Status | Injury/Details |
| Utah Mammoth | Karel Vejmelka | Out (IR) | Undisclosed (Return Jan. 1) |
| Utah Mammoth | Logan Cooley | Out (IR) | Undisclosed (Return Feb. 4) |
| New York Islanders | Ilya Sorokin | Out (IR) | Unspecified (Return Jan. 3) |
| New York Islanders | Semyon Varlamov | Out | Undisclosed |
| New York Islanders | Ethan Bear | Out | Undisclosed |
| New York Islanders | Pierre Engvall | Out | Ankle |
| New York Islanders | Kyle Palmieri | Out | Knee |
| New York Islanders | Alexander Romanov | Out | Knee |
Key Player Matchups
Injuries will force adjustments, particularly in net, setting up intriguing battles.
Clayton Keller (Mammoth) vs. Bo Horvat (Islanders): Keller, Utah’s top scorer, brings speed and playmaking against Horvat (21 goals, 33 points), who anchors New York’s offense and could exploit Utah’s defensive gaps.
Mathew Barzal (Islanders) vs. Mikhail Sergachev (Mammoth): Barzal (10 goals, 20 assists) uses his agility to create chances, testing Sergachev’s defensive positioning in transition.
David Rittich (Islanders) vs. Connor Ingram (Mammoth): With Sorokin and Varlamov out, Rittich (28 saves in prior win vs. Utah) starts for NYI. Ingram or a backup faces New York’s attack, where the Islanders hold a shot advantage in recent games.
The Islanders’ experience gives them edges, but Utah’s youth could surprise.
Series History
The Islanders lead the all-time series 2-1-0 in three regular-season meetings.
At UBS Arena, New York has won both home games against Utah. Recently, the Islanders are 2-0-1, including a 3-2 win on November 14, 2025, and another on January 11, 2025.
Utah’s lone win came in overtime earlier in the season.
Betting Trends
Utah is 1-4 SU in their last 5 against New York, and the under has hit in 5 of Utah’s last 6 road games.
The Islanders are 12-8 ATS at home this season.
Game Odds
Utah Mammoth – 112
New York Islanders 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 31, 2025
