The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs start this Saturday, offering an exciting alternative for sports fans feeling fatigued by other leagues. Many are encouraged to tune in for the fast-paced action and drama of playoff hockey.
Utah Mammoth right wing Clayton Keller (9) protects the puck from Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brandon Saad (20) during the first period of an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025.
Utah Mammoth right wing Clayton Keller (9) protects the puck from Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brandon Saad (20) during the first period of an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
It seems like a lot of sports fans are experiencing a type of fatigue.
They complain about the drama of the NBA; they donāt like the slow pace of MLB; they like the NFL and college sports, but those seasons arenāt long enough to occupy them all year.
If you agree, give the NHL a shot ā specifically the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which begin Saturday.
Playoff hockey is one of the best sports experiences out there. Every play carries massive consequences, so the level of intensity is higher than it ever is in the regular season.
That makes the wins more joyful and the losses more painful.
āOh, itās an absolute ā itās a thrill," beamed Utah Mammoth defenseman MacKenzie Weegar when asked to describe the playoffs.
āI canāt wait to see this crowd in playoff hockey. ... Itās fast, itās physical, itās intense at moments, but theyāre going to have so much fun. Iām so ā like, I canāt even explain how excited I am to hear that crowd when we play home games."
Sean Durzi, another Mammoth defenseman, voiced equal excitement.
āFor the playoff towels to be going, for the stakes of the game to be as high as possible, itās so exciting. Thatās what you play for,ā he told the Deseret News.
If you donāt have a horse in the race, just pick a game and watch it. You canāt go wrong. Particularly in the first round, the crowds in every building are so excited and most of the TV networks do a great job at showcasing it on the broadcast.
Who will the Utah Mammoth play in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs?
While the Mammoth have already clinched a playoff spot, their exact seeding is still to be determined. They could end up playing the Vegas Golden Knights, the Edmonton Oilers, the Anaheim Ducks or the Colorado Avalanche.
There are a few different scenarios in which the Mammoth could clinch the highly coveted first wild card spot:
Utah gets three points in its remaining games;
Los Angeles misses out on three points;
Edmonton OR Los Angeles OR Anaheim loses a game AND Utah wins a game;
Vegas loses two games AND Utah wins a game;
Any combination of overtime/shootout losses that add up to the same amount of points gained/lost mentioned above.
If none of those scenarios happen, the Mammoth would drop to the second wild card spot and face the mighty Colorado Avalanche, who have already clinched the Presidentsā Trophy as the best team in the regular season.
Where to watch the Utah Mammoth and the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Utah Mammoth first-round playoff games will be broadcast on SEG+ in addition to ESPN or TNT, depending on the game.
Subsequent rounds, if they make it, will be broadcast exclusively on the national channels.
Specific game information will be released once the playoff matchups are set.
Q&A
When do the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs start in 2025?
The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Why are sports fans feeling fatigued with other leagues?
Fans are expressing fatigue due to the drama in the NBA, the slow pace of MLB, and the short seasons of the NFL and college sports.
What teams are competing in the NHL playoffs this year?
The specific teams competing in the NHL playoffs will be determined by the regular season standings leading up to the playoffs.
What makes NHL playoff hockey exciting compared to other sports?
NHL playoff hockey is known for its fast-paced action, high stakes, and intense competition, which many fans find more engaging than other sports.
Related Articles
Sports
LIV Golf is still going, but its days seem numbered and probably always were
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
ESPN NewsĀ·Ā·1 min read
MLBĀ·Recap
Angels' Mike Trout hits another HR to join Aaron Judge in rare Yankee Stadium history
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
MLBĀ·Feature
Tigers projected to take a gamble on the upside of a 6'3" prep bat
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.