Date: Friday, October 17
Time: 9:10 PM EST
TV: ESPN+/HULU
Moneyline Odds: Sharks +205 | Mammoth -255
A battle between a rebuilding squad and a new but banged-up franchise is on tap as the San Jose Sharks travel to face the Utah Mammoth. The Mammoth, in their inaugural NHL season, are heavy home favorites despite a growing injury list, while the Sharks look to play the role of spoiler and cash in for underdog bettors.
Sharks Look to Capitalize on Underdog Status
The San Jose Sharks enter this contest as significant underdogs at +205, and they’ll need a disciplined performance to pull off the road upset. The key for the Sharks will likely be in goal, where Yaroslav Askarov is the projected starter. A strong outing from Askarov will be critical to withstand the attack of a Mammoth team that is still potent despite its injuries.
While specific, up-to-the-minute injury information for the Sharks isn’t prominent in recent reports, they will need to take advantage of a wounded opponent. If San Jose can control the pace and frustrate a Mammoth team playing with a depleted lineup, they have a clear path to making this a much closer game than the odds suggest.
Injury-Plagued Mammoth Look to Defend Home Ice
Utah’s new NHL team has been hit hard by the “injury bug” early in its first season. The team is confirmed to be without several key players. As of October 15, center Liam O’Brien was ruled out with an undisclosed injury. He joins a list that includes veteran forward Alex Kerfoot (lower-body) and defenseman Terrell Goldsmith (undisclosed), who was placed on non-roster injured reserve. Preseason reports indicated as many as six players were dealing with ailments, testing the new organization’s depth from the very beginning.
Despite the absences, oddsmakers have installed the Mammoth as heavy -255 favorites. This line suggests a deep and talented roster remains, capable of handling the visiting Sharks. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka is expected to get the start for Utah and will be relied upon to shut the door and secure two points in front of the new home crowd.
Prediction
The story of this game is whether the Mammoth’s remaining talent can overcome their significant injuries. The Sharks have a prime opportunity to steal a win against a compromised opponent.
However, the -255 moneyline in favor of Utah is telling. Even with key players like Kerfoot and O’Brien sidelined, the Mammoth are expected to win comfortably. Playing at home in a new hockey market should provide a significant energy boost. While the Sharks and Askarov might keep it close for a period, the home team’s depth should ultimately prove to be the difference.
Final Score Prediction: Mammoth 4, Sharks 2
The Pick: Mammoth (-255)
Sources:
San Jose Sharks Injury Status – ESPN
San Jose Sharks Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
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