The New York Rangers travel to Utah to face the expansion Mammoth on November 22, 2025, in what shapes up as a pivotal early-season matchup for both clubs. With puck drop scheduled for 9 p.m. ET at the Delta Center, fans can catch the action on Utah16 or MSG Network. The Rangers enter this contest at 10-10-2, having dropped a 6-3 decision to the Colorado Avalanche just two nights prior, while the Mammoth sit at 10-8-3 and are looking to bounce back from their own 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
This cross-conference showdown carries extra significance as both teams navigate injury concerns and lineup adjustments midway through November. The Rangers find themselves day-to-day with several key contributors, forcing head coach Peter Laviolette to shuffle his forward groups and defensive pairs. Meanwhile, Utah’s coaching staff has been pleased with their team’s competitive start to the season and sees this as an opportunity to make a statement against an Original Six franchise.
New York Rangers projected lineup breakdown
The Blueshirts will ice a top-heavy forward corps despite missing J.T. Miller to an upper-body injury sustained Thursday in Colorado. Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafrenière remain united as the premier scoring line, combining for 87 points through 22 games this season. This trio has developed undeniable chemistry, with Panarin’s playmaking ability complementing Trocheck’s two-way presence and Lafrenière’s net-driving aggression.
Rangers forward combinations and key contributors
Second-line duties fall to Will Cuylle, Mika Zibanejad, and Jonny Brodzinski, a unit that must generate secondary offense against Utah’s stingy defensive structure. Zibanejad leads this group with his faceoff prowess and power-play expertise, while Cuylle’s physical forechecking creates space for his linemates. The third line of Conor Sheary, Noah Laba, and Taylor Raddysh brings speed and defensive responsibility, perfect for matching up against Utah’s top scorers.
The fourth line features Adam Edstrom, Sam Carrick, and Juuso Parssinen providing energy minutes and penalty-killing support. Carrick’s veteran leadership has been invaluable during this stretch of injuries, and his 58.3% faceoff success rate gives the Rangers crucial possession in defensive zones. The team will also be without Will Borgen (upper body) and Matt Rempe (upper body), creating depth challenges that test New York’s organizational depth.
Defensive pairings and goaltending situation
The blue line starts with Vladislav Gavrikov and Adam Fox, a pairing that logs nearly 24 minutes per game in all situations. Fox’s offensive creativity from the back end pairs perfectly with Gavrikov’s defensive reliability. Carson Soucy and Braden Schneider form the second pair, bringing physicality and shot-blocking ability. The third pairing of Matthew Robertson and Scott Morrow represents the youth movement, with Morrow’s puck-moving skills offering a glimpse into the Rangers’ future.
In goal, Jonathan Quick gets the starting nod after Igor Shesterkin played against Colorado. Quick’s .912 save percentage and 2.67 goals-against average provide stability, while Shesterkin’s world-class talent waits in reserve if needed. Urho Vaakanainen draws in as the healthy scratch on defense.
Utah Mammoth projected lineup analysis
The expansion Mammoth have exceeded expectations through their first 21 games, building a competitive roster through the expansion draft and savvy veteran additions. Utah’s forward group combines established NHL talent with exciting young prospects, creating a blend that has proven difficult for opponents to solve. Their 10-8-3 record reflects a team that plays structured, disciplined hockey while waiting for offensive opportunities.
Mammoth forward lines and offensive weapons
The top line of Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton, and Nick Schmaltz drives Utah’s offense, with Keller’s 12 goals leading the team. Hayton’s development into a reliable two-way center has been one of the season’s pleasant surprises, while Schmaltz’s playmaking vision creates consistent scoring chances. This trio’s plus-minus rating of plus-12 combined demonstrates their ability to control play at even strength.
Michael Carcone, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther comprise the second line, featuring the rookie sensation Cooley and his five-game point streak. JJ Peterka, Jack McBain, and Lawson Crouse bring size and physical presence on the third line, with Crouse’s net-front ability making him a power-play weapon. The fourth line of Kailer Yamamoto, Kevin Stenlund, and Brandon Tanev returns Yamamoto to the lineup after a brief absence, adding veteran experience to the bottom six.
Defensive structure and goaltending matchup
Mikhail Sergachev and Dmitri Simashev anchor the Mammoth defense as the top pairing, with Sergachev’s offensive instincts complementing Simashev’s stay-at-home style. Nate Schmidt and John Marino provide steady second-pair minutes, while Ian Cole and Nick DeSimone round out the group with responsible defensive play. Olli Maatta remains scratched, giving the coaching staff options if they need to adjust against the Rangers’ speed.
Karel Vejmelka earns the start in goal, bringing his 2.85 goals-against average and .904 save percentage into the matchup. Vitek Vanecek provides capable backup support. The Mammoth have allowed just 2.8 goals per game at home this season, making them a formidable opponent in their own building.
Injury impacts and roster adjustments
The Rangers’ injury situation significantly affects their lineup construction and strategic options. J.T. Miller’s absence after the Avalanche game creates a hole in the top six that Jonny Brodzinski fills admirably, though Miller’s 18 points and physical edge are missed. The day-to-day status of Miller and defenseman Will Borgen challenges the training staff to manage minutes carefully during this road trip.
Head coach Peter Laviolette noted after the Colorado game that “injuries are part of the game, and it’s an opportunity for other guys to step up.” This philosophy has allowed players like Noah Laba and Juuso Parssinen to earn increased responsibilities. The Rangers have recalled additional forward depth from Hartford, though those players won’t dress for this contest.
Utah’s injury list includes defenseman Sean Durzi and forward Alex Kerfoot, both valuable contributors when healthy. The Mammoth have adjusted by inserting Nick DeSimone into the lineup and relying on their forward depth to compensate for Kerfoot’s absence. Their ability to weather these absences speaks to the expansion draft strategy that prioritized NHL-ready depth at every position.
Key matchups and what to watch for
The Panarin-Trocheck-Lafrenière line against Utah’s Sergachev-Simashev pairing represents the game’s premier matchup. Utah’s top defensemen must contain one of the NHL’s hottest lines, while the Rangers’ stars aim to exploit any defensive gaps. How this battle unfolds likely determines the game’s outcome, as both units rank among their team’s most important players.
Special teams could prove decisive, with the Rangers’ power play converting at 23.4% against Utah’s penalty kill operating at 81.2%. The Mammoth have been disciplined at home, averaging just 2.8 penalties per game, but any Rangers advantage presents a scoring threat. Conversely, Utah’s power play at 19.7% must capitalize against New York’s 82.1% penalty kill.
The goaltending battle features veteran savvy, as Quick’s championship experience matches wits with Vejmelka’s emergence as a reliable starter. Quick’s ability to handle playoff-style pressure situations gives the Rangers confidence, while Vejmelka’s .930 save percentage at home demonstrates his comfort in the Delta Center. Early goals could shift momentum dramatically in either direction.
Faceoff dominance presents another crucial factor. Mika Zibanejad’s 57.1% success rate leads the Rangers, while Barrett Hayton wins 53.4% for Utah. Possession starts with draws, and losing this battle forces teams to spend extra energy retrieving pucks rather than attacking. The Rangers must improve upon their 49.3% team faceoff percentage to control game flow.
Strategic implications and playoff positioning
While it’s only November, every point matters in the tightly contested Metropolitan and Central divisions. The Rangers currently sit third in the Metropolitan Division, but Carolina and New Jersey trail closely. A regulation win against a Western Conference opponent helps their conference record, a potential tiebreaker come April. Conversely, the Mammoth hold the first wild-card spot in the Central, making home points critical to their playoff aspirations.
The expansion Mammoth have surprised many analysts with their competitive play, proving that smart roster construction creates immediate success. Their ability to remain in playoff contention through 21 games demonstrates the validity of their front-office strategy. A victory over an established power like the Rangers would validate their status as a legitimate postseason threat rather than a feel-good story.
For the Rangers, this game begins a crucial three-game road swing through the Mountain time zone. Points gained now ease pressure later in the season when Metropolitan Division rivals face each other frequently. Managing player workloads during this stretch becomes paramount, especially with Miller and Borgen nursing injuries. Getting healthy while remaining competitive represents the ideal scenario.
The coaching matchup features two respected bench bosses known for tactical adjustments during games. Laviolette’s championship pedigree includes a Stanley Cup with Carolina and two additional finals appearances. Utah’s coaching staff, led by their veteran head coach, has impressed neutral observers with their ability to maximize roster strengths while minimizing weaknesses. This chess match within the game adds another layer of intrigue for hockey purists.
Fan atmosphere should be electric, as Utah’s hockey-starved market embraces its new team with passion. The Delta Center regularly sells out, creating a playoff-like environment that challenges visiting teams. The Rangers, accustomed to hostile road environments, must manage early-game emotions and stick to their structured approach. Quick communication becomes essential when crowd noise peaks, testing New York’s veteran leadership and on-ice awareness.
This matchup showcases the modern NHL’s competitive balance, where expansion teams can immediately challenge established franchises through smart planning and execution. The Rangers represent tradition and championship expectations, while the Mammoth embody the league’s growth and evolving landscape. Regardless of outcome, both teams gain valuable experience that serves them well as the regular season progresses toward the playoff push. The chess match of lineup decisions, in-game adjustments, and special teams execution will provide fans with compelling hockey worth every minute of their Saturday night attention.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.