Utah Mammoth vs. Colorado Avalanche (Split-Squad) — Sept. 21, 2025

When and where

It is a split-squad doubleheader against the Colorado Avalanche. Game 1 is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. MT at Magness Arena (University of Denver). Game 2 is set for 6:30 p.m. MT at Ball Arena. Radio coverage runs on 97.5 FM KSL Sports Zone, the KSL App and NHL App, with streaming on Mammoth+ for both games.

Why tonight matters

These are the first preseason games under the permanent Utah Mammoth identity. As with most early-camp exhibitions, winning is secondary to evaluation and systems reps. The coaching staff emphasized using tonight to “move forward” with structure, learn from video between games, and get players back to NHL game shape. Expect mixed groups of veterans, AHL call-ups, and prospects, with the evening roster leaning more NHL-heavy to preview top-six and special-teams looks.

Confirmed practice units shaping tonight

On the first day of special-teams work, the staff installed two power-play groups: PP1 skated with Mikhail Sergachev up top and Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton, Nick Schmaltz, and Dylan Guenther as the forward unit. PP2 ran with Sean Durzi at the point, Logan Cooley and JJ Peterka as primary shooters, Kailer Yamamoto as the retrieval and quick-touch option, and Jack McBain net-front. Those groups are expected to appear together if those players dress in the Ball Arena game.

Projected split by game

The afternoon lineup at Magness is prospect-heavy and designed to evaluate pace, retrievals, and decisions under pressure against a veteran-tinged Avalanche split squad. The night game at Ball Arena is projected to feature core NHLers, including Keller, Cooley, Guenther, Schmaltz, Hayton, Peterka, Sergachev, Marino, Durzi, Määttä, Cole, and Schmidt, with Karel Vejmelka and Vítek Vaněček sharing the crease window over the first exhibitions.

Hopes and expectations tonight

For the prospect group, the goals are simple: win walls, exit cleanly, protect the middle, and show repeatable habits. The staff will value smart puck management and inside positioning over boxscore results. For the veteran-leaning group, the emphasis is line chemistry and special-teams rhythm. The top line of Keller–Cooley–Guenther should push entries and inside-lane passing, while the Schmaltz–Hayton–Peterka trio aims for quick-strike chances off turnovers. The third line of Crouse–McBain–Tanev is tasked with heavy forecheck and cycle time, and the fourth line with Stenlund as a stabilizing center focuses on defensive-zone starts and tempo shifts.

Blue line objectives

Sergachev–Marino is a true matchup pair expected to control exits and deny entries with tight gap; Durzi paired with a stay-home partner like Määttä can activate without sacrificing structure; Schmidt–Cole provides veteran reliability, kill cycles, and clean clears. Across both games, the ask on defense is to close faster on retrievals, make the first pass crisply, and keep the slot clean.

Goaltending approach

Vejmelka and Vaněček begin building a rotation by sharing early looks. The focus is rebound control on rush chances, handling traffic, and communication on rim-around plays. In the afternoon, depth goalies like Matt Villalta and Dylan Wells are slated to handle the net, with an emphasis on puckhandling and game management.

Availability and absences

Alex Kerfoot and Liam O’Brien are week-to-week with lower-body injuries and are not expected to dress. Utah also begins camp without Juuso Välimäki as he continues recovery, and Connor Ingram is not in camp with waivers planned. These absences shape bottom-six auditions and the goalie plan for the first week.

What to watch

Cooley’s entry control and distribution with Keller and Guenther; Peterka’s pace added to a top-six; McBain’s net-front on PP2; Yamamoto’s retrievals and quick touches; the heavy cycle of Crouse–McBain–Tanev; Sergachev’s command on PP1; Marino’s kill work; Durzi’s blue-line keep-ins; and how quickly the fourth line and third pair settle into repeatable roles. In the prospect game, track Lamoureux’s poise, Perunovich’s deception at the line, and Lipkin’s tempo against NHL defenders.