Nick Schmaltz scored twice and assisted on another goal to lead the Utah Mammoth to a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues.

Don’t look now, but the Utah Mammoth are on a three-game win streak. This home stand has been circled on the calendar for months as a time when the Mammoth have the advantage. They’re at home for seven straight games,

Justin Faulk scored the only goal for the Blues, and Jordan Binnington made 13 saves. Pontus Holmberg, Darren Raddysh, Anthony Cirelli and Oliver Bjorkstrand each scored for the Lightning.

Nathan MacKinnon scored twice, including his 400th career goal, and Valeri Nichushkin netted his second NHL hat trick as the Colorado Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 6-1 for their ninth straight win.

Connor Murphy, Oliver Moore, Landon Slaggert and Louis Crevier each had a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks (18-18-7), who have points in five straight (4-0-1). Matt Grzelcyk had two assists, and Spencer Knight made 27 saves.

Montreal boasts an elite road record of 12-3-5 and is coming off two huge road wins against the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers. Their fifth-ranked power-play also matches up well against the Blues' 23rd-ranked penalty kill.

The St. Louis Blues and Philip Broberg have agreed to a six-year, $48 million extension in a contract that was solid for both sides.

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions here at Last Word On Hockey! Everyday, we provide analysis, insights, and predictions for games around the NHL.

Blues vs. Blackhawks predictions and NHL picks for Wednesday, January 7. Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen help carry the load.