SALT LAKE CITY — In a dazzling performance, Clayton Keller recorded a career-high five points, propelling the Utah Hockey Club to a commanding 6-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night, marking their fourth consecutive home win. Keller notched his 22nd goal and contributed four assists in the game.
Nick Schmaltz also shone with a goal and two assists, while Barrett Hayton and Logan Cooley each made significant contributions with a goal and an assist. Dylan Guenther and Sean Durzi were among the scorers as well, and Karel Vejmelka bolstered the win with 15 saves.
Frederick Gaudreau was the lone scorer for Minnesota. In goal, Marc-Andre Fleury faced a challenging night with 25 saves on the books.
The game commenced with Hayton’s power-play goal just 3:59 into the first period. Utah expanded its advantage when given a two-man edge late in the same period. Penalty calls on Minnesota’s Marcus Foligno and Jonas Brodin, who were penalized for infractions against Schmaltz, offered a favorable opportunity. Foligno received a double-minor for high-sticking while Brodin was guilty of hooking.
Guenther seized this chance, slipping the puck past Fleury with precise timing for Utah’s second goal with just 30 seconds to spare in the first period.
In response, Gaudreau provided a spark for Minnesota by finding the net with just under four minutes left in the second period. However, Durzi quickly neutralized this with a long-range strike to restore Utah’s two-goal lead before the second intermission. The third period saw goals from Schmaltz, Keller, and Cooley, sealing the win for Utah.
Significant Observations: The Wild have struggled significantly against Utah, being outscored 12-2 over three games this season. For Utah, Guenther has been a force on power plays, accumulating five power-play points in his last six games, which includes three goals. Currently, he is leading Utah in power play goals and is second in power-play points.
Critical Play: Durzi’s goal proved pivotal, extinguishing any momentum Minnesota formed after Gaudreau’s score.
Statistical Highlight: Utah’s ability to score multiple power-play goals in one period was a rare feat, accomplished only three times this season.
Upcoming Matches: Minnesota will challenge Colorado on Friday night, while Utah is set to face New Jersey at home on Saturday night.
