SALT LAKE CITY- The Utah Hockey Club, 7-1-2 in their last ten games, is one of the hottest teams in the league and is only two points out of the last Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.
UHC took on the Anaheim Ducks at Delta Center with a golden opportunity to move up in the standings as the NHL nears the holiday break.
Utah and Anaheim wasted no time with the two teams combining for three goals in the first period. The opener from Clayton Keller came as he deflected a shot from Juuso Valimaki that rebounded off of the Ducks goaltender for Keller to clean up. Anaheim’s Robby Fabbri evened the score with a breakaway goal, but the tie didn’t last long as Barrett Hayton scored a 4-on-4 goal just before the intermission.
The Utah Hockey Club seemed to take control in the second period with spectacular goals from their stars Clayton Keller, who marked his second goal and fourth point of the night, and Logan Cooley who capped off another successful power play. Halfway through the period, the Ducks got one back from an Isac Lundestrom goal.
Utah and Anaheim headed into the third period separated by two goals. The Hockey Club defended their lead through 12 minutes and looked well on their way to enjoying their fifth victory in a row. However, with less than eight minutes remaining, Anaheim pulled to within one when a puck somehow leaked past Jaxson Stauber and into the net.
Just a few minutes later Logan Cooley took what would end up being a costly slashing penalty as the Ducks would go on to score the game-tying goal on the ensuing Power Play.
The game remained even through regulation and overtime, meaning Utah and Anaheim needed a penalty shootout to determine a winner. Utah did not score in the shootout, but Mason McTavish put away the Ducks’ third chance, escaping Salt Lake with a win and an extra point.
With the point gained from the overtime battle, the Utach Hockey Club is now even in the standings with Dallas, making tomorrow’s battle with the Stars extremely important as we approach the New Year.
Back at home tomorrow against the Stars. pic.twitter.com/4DZV3rB7nI
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 23, 2024
A Sunday matinee with the Ducks.#UtahHC pic.twitter.com/rSXJUYzos1
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
Going duck hunting 🦆 pic.twitter.com/Tin4Fwb3g1
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 22, 2024
Hockey Day in Utah! @kimberlyjbecker and I will be talking #UtahHC offensive success, spectacular penalty killing, and keys to a win this afternoon
Join us now on Utah 16, Utah HC+, and SEG+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/latCGkZOtH
— Nick Olczyk (@NOlczyk16) December 22, 2024
Jaxson Stauber will start against the Ducks for #UtahHC this afternoon.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
Afternoon action 😎 pic.twitter.com/jyqkWeJOut
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 22, 2024
Stauber between the pipes. #UtahHC | @ZionsBank pic.twitter.com/JeraeIZs3w
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 22, 2024
Blessing your feed today 😌 pic.twitter.com/wecXinCAU2
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 22, 2024
CLAYTON KELLER SCORES AND IT'S 1-0 UTAH!!!!!#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
Another greasy goal but they count all the same. Great work to fight hard at the net.
Keller gives #UtahHC an early 1-0 lead. https://t.co/YJDeINdZLb
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
Ducks tie the game after a bad turnover in the O-zone that led to a 2 on 1 rush the other way.
1P: 15:04 | 1-1
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 22, 2024
Maccelli is battling right now offensively.
Couple good chances and a nice stick lift to create a turnover in close by the Ducks net for a quick shot.
He hasn't score since Nov. 7. He is battling to change that.#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
BIG glove save from Stauber off a one-timer from the slot.
Easily could've ended up in the back of the net. Great reaction.
Game remains tied 1-1 with 7:43 in the first.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
Anaheim commits a slashing penalty and #UtahHC will go to the power play.
1P: 4:17 | 1-1
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 22, 2024
Cooley to the box for 2 minutes for using his hand during the face-off.
4 on 4 hockey for 1:58.
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 22, 2024
BARRETT HAYTON SCORES AND IT'S 2-1 UTAH!!!!
First goal for him since October 30th.#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
Good find from Maatta and a nasty finish from Hayton in front.
Great patience. Utah up 2-1. https://t.co/iPwz2vwbN5
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
They see him rollin', they Hayton 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/ivrh9EZNqa
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 22, 2024
With a goal and an assist in the first period, Keller now leads #UtahHC with 33 points on the year.
Whether he's sniping from a distance, getting greasy goals in front, or orchestrating with elite passes, Keller is simply playing phenomenal hockey as of late.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
Absolute warrior.
Carcone is not one to back down. https://t.co/ifO9KtfTg0
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
End 1st period
Utah 2
Anaheim 1SOG
Utah 9
Anaheim 9Hayton gets his first goal since October 30th.pic.twitter.com/8V1gRp2P9P
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 22, 2024
Both roomies score in the first 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8kbcS7HUV0
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 22, 2024
Anaheim with another slashing penalty.#UtahHC to the power play.
2P: 18:38 | 2-1 Utah
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 22, 2024
LOGAN COOLEY SCORES AND IT'S 3-1 UTAH!!!!
WHAT A SHOT. TOP SHELF.#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
This is a beautifully crafted goal on the power play and a heck of a shot from Cooley. Really doesn't get any better.
You give Utah 3 power plays, and they are going to score on you right now.#UtahHC https://t.co/HJ0YBaYSVp
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
KELLER AGAIN AND UTAH LEADS 4-1!!!!
Suffocating pressure from Utah in the O-zone.
Ducks just sitting back on their heels and Utah strikes. Such a dangerous team right now.#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
Play maker, play finisher. Clayton Keller tallies his second of the game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eLV5suJVVY
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 22, 2024
With his second goal today, Clayton Keller officially has the first four-point game in #UtahHC history. 🙌
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 22, 2024
Clayton Keller is on a hatty watch 🎩🎩👀
Still 32 minutes left in this hockey game.#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
Ducks get one back.
2P: 9:11 | 4-2 Utah
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 22, 2024
Ducks are pressing really hard right now.
Way more pressure after their second goal and a really aggressive forecheck.
Important minutes right now for Utah to maintain momentum.#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
Utah back to full strength. https://t.co/YikmXkUbfM
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 22, 2024
Some extra theatrics at the end of the 2nd period as Maatta gets shoved and Carcone grabs the instigator by the sweater.
These two teams do not like each other.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 22, 2024
End 2nd period
Utah 4
Anaheim 2SOG
Utah 17
Anaheim 20Clayton Keller currently has 4 points and is on a hat-trick watch 👀pic.twitter.com/xvTenuqhOa
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 22, 2024
If you’re not watching The Club right now what’re you doing? pic.twitter.com/SNbuKuQ4ut
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 22, 2024
#UtahHC penalty to Dakota Mermis for tripping.
3P: 16:34 | 4-2 Utah
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 23, 2024
Huge block from Sergachev in front of an open net to deny a one-timer that easily could've ended up in the net.
However, Kerfoot just committed a delay of game penalty and suddenly its 5 on 3 for the next 1:30.
16:04 to go in the third. Utah up 4-2.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Ducks.
4 on 3 for 38 seconds.
3P: 15:12 | 4-2 Utah
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 23, 2024
Props to Utah's PK tonight.
Just survived a 5 on 3 and a 4 on 3.
Cole, Stenlund, and Sergachev were magnificent. Active sticks to break up passes, textbook shape, and multiple clearances.
That is not easy.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Ducks commit a hooking penalty.
Big power play opportunity for #UtahHC to give themselves a little more room to breathe.
3P: 12:25 | 4-2 Utah
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 23, 2024
Utah's top PP unit is so fun to watch as of late.
Nearly every possession they are applying suffocating pressure with top-tier creativity, phenomenal passing, solid movement, and constant net presence.
One of the best in the league right now.#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Ducks are not a team that ever go away. They battle to the end and this game just got interesting.
Need a solid close out from #UtahHC
Still plenty of time. https://t.co/y1IxYDWK7b
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Cooley to the box for slashing.
3P: 6:29 | 4-3 Utah
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 23, 2024
3 unanswered goals from the Ducks.
All the momentum has been with Anaheim in the third as they've chipped away at the lead.
Too many letdowns from #UtahHC here late. https://t.co/Gp4jifm2TB
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Lawson Crouse has been moved down to the fourth line.
Carcone up to the third.#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Overtime hockey in Salt Lake City. What else is new?
4-4 at the end of regulation. Off we go to 3 on 3.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Headed to overtime. Let’s get loud, Utah! pic.twitter.com/pEL1Bhs3BW
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 23, 2024
Game remains tied after OT.
Great chance right at the end on Guenther's stick but couldn't finish.
Now for a shootout.#UtahHC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Schmaltz up first and he misses.
Tried to do too much with it.
Troy Terry up next for the Ducks.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Troy Terry puts it wide.
Clayton Keller up next.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Keller NARROWLY misses as the puck defied physics.
Ducks also miss on their second attempt.
Game remains tied in the shootout.
Bjugstad up.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Bjugstad misses.
McTavish can win it here.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Ducks win the shootout.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 23, 2024
Back at home tomorrow against the Stars. pic.twitter.com/4DZV3rB7nI
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) December 23, 2024
