SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 08: Liam O'Brien #38 and the Utah Hockey Club leave the locker room for pregame warmups prior to their inaugural game against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 08, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – After more than two months without an appearance for the Utah Hockey Club, forward Liam O’Brien returned to the lineup last week and made an instant impact. In true ‘Spicy Tuna’ fashion, O’Brien was relentless in his effort and provided an energy that quickly became contagious.
O’Brien isn’t flashy but adding him to the third line over the last few games has greatly lifted their energy & ability to put pressure on other teams.
Collectively, they’re so much more physical & have been trapping teams with their aggressive forecheck.
They look rejuvenated.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 5, 2025
In a season of ups and downs, O’Brien provided a positive predictability in all three appearances during Utah’s recent road trip.
He was energetic, physical, aggressive and did exactly what the team expected of him each shift.
So, while predictability generally has a negative connotation in sports, O’Briens reliable and consistent efforts were pivotal in helping the third line get back on track.
Solid first period for Utah HC as they played with pace, physicality, and loads of energy.
Just an unfortunate too many men penalty that set them back and allowed Calgary back into it.
Still, good start against the Flames. https://t.co/N3g5cjKLrY
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 3, 2025
“I like him,” head coach Andre Tourigny said. “I like his energy. He’s predictable.”
“I think he helped Crouse & Bjugstad in a sense of, you know the next play. He communicates a lot on the ice and he drags you in the fight.”
Over the course of December, Lawson Crouse, Nick Bjugstad and Matias Maccelli combined for just four points (zero goals, four assists).
In the three games O’Brien played in last week, Crouse had 2 goals (first since November 29) and an assist while Bjugstad registered an apple and Maccelli even scored twice (first since November 7).
According to Bjugstad, O’Brien’s presence helped the line finally break through.
“Liam brings a lot of energy,” Bjugstad said. “[He] brings a presence. Guys are aware when he’s on the ice from a physicality standpoint.
“I like playing with O’Brien. He comes up with pucks, digs for pucks and works hard. For me and Crouse who were in a slump, that kind of helped.”
While O’Brien handled being a healthy scratch for months with the utmost class, he’s thoroughly enjoyed being back on the ice.
Related: Utah Hockey Club: Liam O’Brien Responds Positively Despite Not Playing
“It feels good to be back playing, and it’s been a lot of fun,” O’Brien said.
He’s also remained focused on helping the team in more of a direct way with his skillset now that he’s back in the lineup.
“Definitely on the physical aspect of the game. That’s something I bring. Always have, always will…being able to play with him [Crouse] & Bjugstad has been great too,” O’Brien said.
“We’re all big bodies. We like to get in on the forecheck. We’ve been playing a simple game, but it’s been effective. They’ve played really well, and I am happy to see them have some success.”
Liam O’Brien on what he brings to the 3rd line: “Definitely on the physical aspect of the game…always have, always will…playing with Crouse & Bjugstad has been great…we’re all big bodies…we’ve been playing a simple game but it’s been effective. They’ve played really well…” pic.twitter.com/NhyzmAUZwW
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 6, 2025
Following the recent stretch of games and an obvious difference in terms of energy and production on Utah’s third line, Tourigny plans to keep those three together.
With more minutes ahead of him, O’Brien feels prepared for the challenge and plans to continue brining the same exact energy.
“I prepared all summer long. I train hard,” he said. “I’m on the ice all the time. We’ve got skills coaches. We’ve got great staff in the gym. So, we’ve got everything we need to stay ready — there’s no reason to not be.”
The Utah Hockey Club will now return home to face the Florida Panthers on Wednesday. The game can be viewed on TNT. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
