Okay, I'll craft a news article about the projected lineups for the Mammoth vs. Avalanche game on December 23, 2025. Here are the search queries I'll use to gather the most up-to-date information:
Here's the news article on the projected lineups for the Mammoth vs. Avalanche game on December 23, 2025:
Mammoth Face Avalanche in Pre-Holiday Matchup
The Utah Mammoth are set to clash with the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver tonight, December 23, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST. This is the third of four meetings between the two Central Division rivals this season. Each team has secured a win on home ice thus far, with the Mammoth claiming a 4-3 overtime victory in their previous encounter on October 21.
The Avalanche (26-2-7) are heavily favored heading into the contest and are currently riding a five-game winning streak. They've been dominant at home, earning at least one point in all 16 home games (14-0-2) and boast a 12-game winning streak in Denver. Their last home loss was in a shootout against Carolina on October 23. Fresh off a 5-1 victory against the Minnesota Wild, the Avalanche are looking to extend their lead in the Central Division.
The Mammoth (18-17-3) are coming off a 4-3 overtime win against the Winnipeg Jets. After a strong start to the season, they experienced a tougher stretch but have recently won four of their last six games. They currently hold the second wildcard spot in the Western Conference.
Projected Lineups
Here are the projected lineups for tonight's game:
Utah Mammoth:
- Forwards: Clayton Keller -- Nick Schmaltz -- JJ Peterka; Lawson Crouse -- Barrett Hayton -- Dylan Guenther; Michael Carcone -- Jack McBain -- Daniil But; Liam O'Brien -- Kevin Stenlund -- Alexander Kerfoot
- Defense: Mikhail Sergachev -- Sean Durzi; Nate Schmidt -- John Marino; Ian Cole -- Nick DeSimone
- Goaltenders: Karel Vejmelka (likely starter), Vitek Vanecek
- Scratches: Olli Maatta, Brandon Tanev, Kailer Yamamoto
- Injuries: Logan Cooley (lower body)
Coach Andre Tourigny is expected to keep the same lineup that won against the Jets. Key players to watch include Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz, who each have 12 goals and 20 assists, and Dylan Guenther, who leads the team with 16 goals.
Colorado Avalanche:
- Forwards: Gabriel Landeskog -- Nathan MacKinnon -- Martin Necas; Artturi Lehkonen -- Brock Nelson -- Valeri Nichushkin; Victor Olofsson -- Ross Colton -- Gavin Brindley; Parker Kelly -- Jack Drury -- Joel Kiviranta
- Defense: Devon Toews -- Cale Makar; Josh Manson -- Brent Burns; Samuel Girard -- Sam Malinski
- Goaltenders: Scott Wedgewood (expected starter), Mackenzie Blackwood
- Scratches: Zakhar Bardakov, Ilya Solovyov
- Injuries: Logan O'Connor (hip surgery)
The Avalanche are expected to maintain the same lineup, with Gabriel Landeskog on the top line alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas. Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL in goals (30) and is second in the league with 61 points. Martin Necas has 16 goals and 31 assists. Cale Makar leads all defensemen in scoring with 43 points. Scott Wedgewood is likely to start in goal as Coach Jared Bednar continues to alternate goalies.
Storylines to Watch
The Avalanche are looking to continue their dominant home record and extend their winning streak before the NHL's three-day holiday break. The Mammoth aim to become the first team to defeat the Avalanche twice this season. Can the Mammoth overcome the Avalanche's strong home record and stellar offense, or will Colorado continue its dominance? Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. MT.
