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Utah Hockey Club Has Shown Improvement Over Recent Games

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There was a previous stretch where the Utah Hockey Club went 4-10, showing signs of a struggling team desperate to turn things around. Goal scoring was significantly down because many of Utah’s top players couldn’t find the scoresheet. Now, it feels like the team has shown signs of improvement, while playing some of their best hockey of the season. The team is getting important contributions from the fourth line and their captain is leading by example. This is all indicative of the team’s current form and it seems things could be trending in the right direction for Utah. Here is where the Utah improvement is coming from. 

Utah Improvement 

After starting their inaugural season 3-0, Utah has been in a freefall. The team’s now 12-11-5, or sixth in the Central Division. Utah recently won two straight games for just the second time this season, the first streak came during opening week. The wins came against the Buffalo Sabres and the Philadelphia Flyers. Despite the record, Utah has proved itself in the past few weeks. The team has gone 4-1-2 in the last seven games, with each loss being decided by only one goal. Their latest loss was against the first place Minnesota Wild, which ended in Utah’s first ever shootout in franchise history. 

During this stretch, Utah’s overall game has improved and they were able to stick with some of the league’s best teams. The biggest statement was a 6-0 shutout win against the 18-7-3 Vegas Golden Knights. In the seven game span, Utah has scored 26 goals and gave up 16, while having a +31 shot differential. Utah impressively scored four goals against the league’s best defensive team in the Wild, who only gives up 2.40 goals per game. The team has also managed to limit the number of penalty minutes in recent games. If Utah can keep playing this way, look for them to be a competitive team going forward. 

Fourth Line Chipping In

Although Utah’s top line is starting to pick up its game, the team’s fourth line has been most impactful. The line consists of forwards Kevin Stenlund, Michael Carcone and Alexander Kerfoot. Over the last seven games, the line has combined for seven goals and six assists, totaling 13 points. Most notably, Stenlund has scored a goal in each of the team’s last three games after registering just one goal in the previous 25. 

They’re an unconventional fourth line because they don’t hit that often because that’s all a typical fourth line is known for. Stenlund is the one on the line that has the most hits with 22 this season. However, the trio has the ability to sustain offensive zone pressure and be physical. The fourth line doesn’t usually play that much, but it’s important for raising the team’s energy level and setting the tone of a game. 

Lead the Way, Captain

In his first year as Utah’s captain, forward Clayton Keller has led Utah all season. He leads the team in points with 26 and has been their best forward at even strength and on the power play. Keller scored two power play goals against the Wild and each one tied the game, 2-2 and 3-3. Utah was heavily outplayed, but Keller stepped up and led Utah to a point against the number one team, who holds a 19-5-4 record. 

During this stretch, the 26-year-old has recorded seven points in seven games, including a pair of multi-point games. Prior to scoring in the game against the Golden Knights, Keller went 12 games without scoring a goal. It was a contributing factor to Utah’s previous struggles and now he’s starting to break out of his slump. With Keller performing again, Utah has a greater chance of winning more games and could climb the standings if they continue to play well.

Main Photo: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

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