San Jose Sharks at Utah Mammoth Picks and Predictions for Friday, October 17, 2025

By: David Anicetti Published 10/17/2025, 12:05 AM ET

The San Jose Sharks visit the Utah Mammoth at the Delta Center on Friday night, on ESPN+/Hulu, with the opening faceoff at 11:00 PM ET. San Jose (0–1–2) has dropped its first three games, including a 5–1 home loss to Carolina on Tuesday. Utah (2–2–0) sits fourth in the Central Division and comes off a 3–1 win over Calgary, improving to 1–0–0 at home. Make a winning save in goal with our free NHL picks.

San Jose Sharks Preview

San Jose has struggled to keep pucks out of the net, giving up 5.33 goals per game while scoring 3.33. The Sharks are averaging just 21 shots per game and allowing nearly 40. The power play has started well at 23.1%, but the penalty kill has been scored on too many times, with a success rate of just 72.7%.

Jeff Skinner leads the team with two goals, while Dmitry Orlov has three assists to pace the attack. Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith have each added three assists, but the team’s defense has been loose in all three zones. San Jose will need a better transition game with fewer giveaways to stay in this one.

Utah Mammoth Preview

Utah has split its first four games and has looked more organized at both ends of the ice. The Mammoth are allowing 2.00 goals per game while scoring the same, showing better balance than San Jose. Dylan Guenther leads with four points (two goals, two assists), and Nick Schmaltz has added three assists. JJ Peterka has also scored twice, and Logan Cooley has chipped in one goal.

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The power play has only one goal in 16 chances, but the penalty kill has been reliable at 81.3%. Utah has been stronger in its defensive zone, limiting second shots and protecting the middle of the ice. A repeat of Wednesday’s strong effort against Calgary would give the Mammoth another win against the struggling Sharks.

Goaltending Matchup

San Jose: Alex Nedeljkovic (0–1–1, 4.45 GAA, .878 SV%) or Yaroslav Askarov (0–0–1, 6.93 GAA, .837 SV%)

Utah: Karel Vejmelka (2–1–0, 1.67 GAA, .929 SV%)

Utah’s Vejmelka has been solid through his first three starts, giving Utah steady play in goal. San Jose’s Nedeljkovic has faced far too many shots and has struggled to open the season. The advantage goes to Utah, as Vejmelka’s numbers are far superior to Nedeljkovic's at this point.

San Jose Sharks at Utah Mammoth Prediction

San Jose’s offense has been productive at times, but issues on defense and poor puck control continue to hurt the Sharks. Utah’s attack and goaltending have been more consistent, especially at home. Final Score Prediction: Utah Mammoth win 4-2.