Three Highs, Three Lows For Utah Hockey Club After 13 Games

Nov 6, 2024, 12:54 PM

Follow @kslsports...

SALT LAKE CITY – It’s been a rollercoaster early on for the Utah Hockey Club as they approach month two of their inaugural season. After taking the NHL by storm with a 3-0 start and four wins in their first six games, Utah has lost six of the last seven and eight of the last 10.

Currently 5-5-3 with 13 points (5th in the Central Division), let’s take a look at three highs and three lows for the Utah Hockey Club after the first month of the season.

Three highs for Utah Hockey Club

Let’s begin with the positives for the Utah Hockey Club. While things have been a little rough over the past few weeks, the club has still done a lot of things right and demonstrated loads of potential in their young squad. To be .500 through 13 games is an accomplishment for this team even though the nature of their record has been a little concerning.

But aside from that, here are three things Utah is doing well:

Penalty Kill has been decent for Utah Hockey Club

After conceding a power play goal to the Winnipeg Jets last night, Utah’s overall penalty kill percentage dropped from 79.1 percent to 77.7 percent but has still seen improvement from a season ago (76.3 percent in 2023-24).

The additions of Mikhail Sergachev, Ian Cole and Olli Maatta on the blue line have added veteran experience and leadership in defending a man-down. Signing faceoff specialist Kevin Stenlund has also helped in terms of the PK as he’s won some critical defensive-zone faceoffs and helped the team clear the puck in key moments.

Related: Mikhail Sergachev Is Utah Hockey Club’s Steady Defensive Leader

Before last night, Utah was killing penalties near the league average of 79.1. Unfortunately, they did drop two percentage points but that’s to be expected when you play the Winnipeg Jets who have the best power play unit in the NHL (44.4 percent).

For the most part, the PK has been a bright spot, especially with the amount of blue line injuries they’ve sustained.

Utah is finding way more success in the faceoff circles

Perhaps the biggest jump Utah has seen statistically this season is the percentage of victories in faceoff circles.

Last year, the club finished the season with a 45.1 faceoff percentage. Now, they’re winning 55.2 percent in 2024-25.

The two biggest differences? Kevin Stenlund and Barrett Hayton who are absolutely dominating every time the puck is dropped. Through 13 games, Stenlund has won 64.2 percent while Hayton has won 61.5 percent.

Stenlund was signed this offseason to do two things: win faceoffs and help with the PK effort. He’s done both very well. As for Hayton, he’s seen a 12 percent increase from last season.

While it doesn’t automatically result in more goals or wins, winning faceoffs is an important part of the game. You can’t do either of those things or defend your own end without winning possession.

So far, this an area Utah has excelled in.

Maveric Lamoureux has shined in his big NHL call-up

Coming into the 2024-25 hockey season, 20-year-old defenseman Maveric Lamoureux wasn’t supposed to be wearing a Utah sweater just yet. Following rookie camp, he was sent to the clubs AHL affiliate Tucson Roadrunners to grow and develop for the foreseeable future.

However, after being called up to the NHL in response to several injuries to Utah’s blue line, Lamoureux has flourished and proven he belongs.

Full Story: What’s It Like To Make An NHL Debut With Utah Hockey Club?

In six games, Lamoureux has recorded his first NHL goal, an assist, four blocks, seven hits and has a plus/minus of plus four (tied for team-high with Michael Kesselring) in 17 minutes on ice per night.

Despite being so young, Lamoureux doesn’t look out of place whatsoever. He’s confident, composed, calm, has made the right plays and played his game. He’s also been exactly what the club needs with his size, physicality and ability to contribute offensively.

There’s still a long way for him to go but that’s also equally as exciting. He’s only 20 and can hold his own at the NHL level? What’s he going to look like in two or three years with more growth and development?

Exciting times are ahead for Utah’s No. 10.

Three lows for Utah Hockey Club

With losses stacking up over the past few weeks and the Utah Hockey Club dropping in the standings, they’re a few key areas the team is struggling in.

Here are three things Utah is doing poorly:

Utah is struggling to put shots on goal

Shots on goal is a topic I’ve discussed a lot lately but it’s becoming more of an issue as the season goes on for the Utah Hockey Club.

Currently, Utah is averaging 25.7 shots per game (28.5 league average) while allowing 29.6 a night. Through 12 games, Utah was ranked 29th in the league in shots on goal and likely didn’t improve after only 21 against the Jets last night.

While their strategy isn’t necessarily to try and outshoot teams each contest, it’s becoming a pattern in losses, especially against some of the better teams.

Against Las Vegas they were outshot 35-19, the Sharks 46-23, Anaheim 34-30, New Jersey 32-20 and again against Winnipeg, 28-21.

They simply have to shoot more. Being outshot so heavily is unacceptable and is resulting in a significant struggle to light the lamp.

Utah can’t put the puck in the net, especially on power plays

When you don’t shoot enough, you struggle to put the puck in the net and that’s been the case for Utah thus far.

As of right now, Utah has scored 37 goals (2.8 average) which ranks 19th in the NHL. It’s also important to note that things have significantly slowed down after Utah’s blistering 3-0 start. In those first three games, Utah scored 16 goals (5.3 average). Since then, they’ve only scored 21 in 10 matchups (2.1 average).

In terms of power play goals, Utah has only connected six times on 35 opportunities (17.1 percent, 20th in the NHL).

For a team that started off so hot, things have changed pretty drastically. They appear to have gone away from what was working early on in terms of crowding the net, playing higher in the zone, cleaning up rebounds and setting up their premier goal scorers.

Keeping the puck out of their own net has been a major issue

While they’ve struggled to put the puck in the net, Utah has also struggled to keep it out early in the season.

Between Connor Ingram and Karel Vejmelka, the Utah Hockey Club’s netminders have a combined 88.3 save percentage with 3.4 goals against per game (25th in the NHL).

The league average in terms of save percentage is 89.2 percent. Utah isn’t that far below the average but realistically, anything below 90 percent is simply subpar.

Now, part of this can be attributed to the defensive injuries Utah has sustained and their poor performances during non-5-on-5 situations. When full strength hockey is being played, Utah’s save percentage jumps up to 92 percent. That’s solid. But overall, 88 percent from No. 1 goaltender Connor Ingram (49th in the NHL) and 89 percent from Vejmelka is making it tougher to win games.

It’s still a young season and Utah’s blue line has been hit hard by the injury bug. However, improvement between the pipes could help Utah in some of these closer games which may end up being the difference if Utah can make the postseason or not.

Final thought

By no means is Utah a bad hockey team. They’ve simply endured some unfortunate injuries to key defensive players and are still very young. However, unless they can improve in terms of both scoring and keeping pucks out of the net, losses could stack up quickly and they’ll be facing a significant uphill battle to get back into the playoff conversation.

Utah Hockey Schedule

The Utah Hockey Club will now continue their road trip against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. The game can be viewed on SEG+. 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. 

Cole Bagley is the Utah Hockey Club insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.

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

Utah Hockey Club Vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Blog: Live Updates, Analysis, And More

The Utah Hockey Club starts off on its four-game road trip against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight. Stay caught up with our live blog!

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

KJ Martin: Who Is Newest Utah Jazz Wing?

The Utah Jazz ended the 2025 NBA trade deadline by acquiring wing KJ Martin from the Detroit Pistons.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

BYU Basketball Reportedly Will Play In 2025 Diamond Head Classic 

BYU basketball is reportedly off to the islands of Hawaii for a MTE in Hawaii.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Former Ute Kyle Kuzma Has New Chance To Thrive In Milwaukee alongside Lillard, Giannis

SALT LAKE CITY- Mixed in with some of the blockbuster trades was a transaction has a player with local ties on the move as former Utah Ute Kyle Kuzma was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Milwaukee Bucks. Fans across the NBA landscape have been glued to social media this week as several moves prior […]

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Report: NHL Insider Shares Utah Hockey Club’s Potential Deadline, Summer Plans

NHL Insider David Pagnotta recently provided insight on what the Utah Hockey Club plans to do ahead of the trade deadline.

7 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Warriors Shocked By Jazz On Eve Of Trade Deadline

The youth of the Utah Jazz overcame the veteran experience of the Golden State Warriors in the team's 131-128 victory on Wednesday night.

19 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

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.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Three Highs, Three Lows For Utah Hockey Club After 13 Games