Barrett Hayton Pulls Utah To Within One Of Dallas

Dec 23, 2024, 9:31 PM

Follow @kslsports...

SALT LAKE CITY- After an eventful first period in which the Utah Hockey Club and Dallas Stars traded goals, Utah fell flat in the second period, being severely outshot, and allowing Dallas to build a 3-1 lead.

The first ten minutes of the third period were a battle in which the Hockey Club couldn’t get much going in their effort to cut the deficit.

With 8:23 remaining in the game and desperate for a goal, the Utah Hockey Club were pushing the envelope in their offensive zone. Nick Schmaltz took the puck back up the left side of the zone toward the blue line. He turned and fired the puck on goal, and the quick thinking of Barrett Hayton allowed him to get his stick in the air, getting a piece as it flew past him.

The touch made the shot impossible to save for Casey DeSmith and Utah had pulled to within one down the stretch.

It’s time for some accountability on Utah’s third line

While Utah’s third line struggles have been addressed many times before, it’s now reaching unacceptable levels and there hasn’t been a solution.

Despite an effort to mix things up in the third period by dropping Lawson Crouse to the fourth line, there simply needs to be more significant changes made in order to correct that trio’s poor performances.

“We have four lines. We move around and we did it last week as well. Switch it a little bit. We’re trying to get everybody going,” Tourigny said.

During the month of December, Lawson Crouse, Matias Maccelli and Nick Bjugstad have combined for just four points.

Against the Ducks, Keller had that many on his own in just 40 minutes of hockey. So, something is clearly off with that line and it needs more significant correction.

However, mixing up the lines is not the right way to go about it as the first, second and fourth are all rolling. It’s simply not worth switching Michael Carcone for Crouse, nor is that going to yield results.

A scratch is absolutely necessary at this point. If nobody on that line wants to produce, why not give Liam O’Brien a shot to see if he can bring something different?

They could also bring back Josh Doan who was sent down to the AHL after just nine games because he only scored twice. That’s half as many as Crouse has scored in 32 appearances.

Look, Utah is playing great hockey right now. They’re winning most of their games, climbing in the standings and even managed a point in two of their losses this month.

But that success is overshadowing poor play from the third line and if they want to take a real shot at the playoffs, they will eventually need more from that group.

 

Tanner Tripp is a sports writer for KSL Sports covering all teams across the state of Utah. Follow him on X @tanner_tripp and Instagram @tanner.tripp here.

What more coverage of the Utah Hockey Club? Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Bronny James Gifts BYU WR JoJo Phillips Signed Game Jersey

Bronny James reunited with his former high school teammate JoJo Phillips and gifted the BYU wide receiver a signed game jersey.

7 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Luka Doncic Carves Time To Sign Autographs For Fans In Utah

Luka Doncic made time on Wednesday to sign autographs for his fans in Utah as the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Jazz.

7 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Get Revenge Over Doncic, Lakers 131-119

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz sent Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers into the All-Star break with a 131-119 loss. Lauri Markkanen led all scorers with 32 points while the Lakers were led by Rui Hachimura who scored 19. Game Blog: Jazz Blowout Lakers In Salt Lake City Jazz Guards Stuff Stat […]

8 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Sink Lakers In Home Blowout

NBA-title hopeful Los Angeles Lakers take their traveling circus on the road to face the Utah Jazz three days after beating Utah by 19.

9 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Three-Point Barrage Helps Jazz Pull Away From Lakers

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Jazz are firing on all cylinders, building a 20-point lead over the superstar-laden Lakers late in the third quarter.

9 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Howard Eisley Returns To Delta Center As Jazz Host Lakers

SALT LAKE CITY - Former Utah Jazz backup point guard Howard Eisley is in the house at Delta Center tonight, returning to his former NBA home. 

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Barrett Hayton Pulls Utah To Within One Of Dallas