ADAM FANTILLI

Mammoth Bring Chance-Creation Edge to Columbus

Keller and Schmaltz headline Utah’s attack opposite Werenski and a young Columbus core.

The opener hinted at a contrast: Utah Mammoth drove more and better looks, while the Columbus Blue Jackets won with finish but bled chances against. Utah’s chances were worth about 4.25 expected goals — expected goals meaning how many a team’s looks are typically worth. Columbus conceded 3.33 expected goals. It’s early, but if that gap shows up again, it would take friendly bounces or strong goaltending for Columbus to win the same way.

Names to watch: Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz drive Utah’s top-end creation, with support from Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley. Columbus counters with Zach Werenski on the back end and young skill in Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson. If Utah repeats its chance volume, Columbus will need cleaner defending to keep this from becoming a track meet.

Standings note: both teams are 1-0-0; Utah sits first in the Central and second in the West, Columbus third in the Metro and fifth in the East. Early, yes — but points banked now separate tiers later.