Thursday's showdown between the Utah Mammoth and Vegas Golden Knights isn't just another regular-season game. It's a potential first-round playoff preview, given how tightly the Central Division wild-card race is packed. With less than a month left in the 2025-26 NHL regular season, the Mammoth's best shot at a playoff berth likely hinges on finishing in the top wild-card spot.

If they do, their opening-round opponent could be the Pacific Division champion. Currently, the Mammoth hold a 91.5% chance of securing that wild-card position, though the Pacific race remains more uncertain. The Ducks lead the Pacific with 78 points, holding a 52.2% chance of the title, while the Golden Knights are close behind at 41.2%.

The Oilers, missing star Leon Draisaitl, trail significantly at 5.2%. This Thursday's matchup carries extra weight as the teams split their season series. The game could set the tone for potential playoff battles to come.