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Utah Hockey Club Continues To Be A Streaky Team

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After winning six out of eight games to start December, it seemed the Utah Hockey Club would be happy heading into the new year. However, things quickly changed for the team. Utah suffered a 4-1 New Year’s Eve defeat to the Edmonton Oilers, where goaltender Jaxson Stauber was the best player despite conceding three goals. They most recently ended their losing streak in Thursday’s 5-3 victory over the Calgary Flames, which was the team’s first win of the new year. Even after the losing streak, Utah remains just three points out of a wild card spot and is fifth in the Central Division. Utah’s been a streaky team all season as they saw a four-game winning streak and five-game losing streak within a nine game span.

What Changed

Although Utah was one of the hottest teams in the league just a few weeks ago, that quickly dissipated. Many factors can explain why the rebuilding team that was trending forward took two steps backwards. The most noticeable stat is the number of goals given up by Utah. During the four-game winning streak, they outscored opponents 13-7. Utah were also outscored 20-10 during their five-game losing streak, in which they went 0-4-1. That’s a big difference in numbers between the two streaks and the team may have to change the lineup. 

After the winning streak ended, both Utah’s shot attempts for and goal differentials decreased, while the opposing shot attempts increased. Utah’s current goal differential is -4 with 111 goals for and 115 against. Particularly, Utah’s expected goals for percentage steadily dropped after their winning streak was snapped. That’s all according to Moneypuck.com. Utah will need to put many pucks on net and limit opposing scoring if they want to start another winning streak.

What’s Been Consistent 

Logan Cooley has been a driving force on Utah’s power play lately. The 20-year-old centre has seven power play points in the last 10 games. Cooley has recorded 12 points over the last 10 games and has 34 points in 38 games this season. He still ranks second on the team in plus/minus rating with a +7. Cooley’s also tied with Clayton Keller for second on the team in power play goals this season. Clearly, he certainly hasn’t been a reason for Utah’s streaky play.

One of the few bright spots for Utah as of now continues to be their penalty kill. Utah’s pk is 13-for-14 in the last five games and 43-for-48 over the last 15 games, or 89.5%. An impressive number for a team that recently lost five straight games. Utah’s penalty kill has jumped to 15th in the league at 80.9% after struggling to start the season. The team gave up only three power play goals during both streaks combined. Utah has scored two shorthanded goals this season.

Utah’s power play has also been in good form of late. The team has scored at least one power play goal in 10 of the last 12 games. They’re 12-for-36 on the man-advantage over the last 12 games (33.3%), which is ranked third in the NHL over that span. Utah’s power play was dry during the first 20 games of the season and it has since improved to 22.1%, which is 15th in the league. Utah has allowed one shorthanded goal this season. 

Keller continues to produce points in almost every game he plays. Utah’s captain had five points during the team’s four-game winning streak and six points during their five-game losing streak. Keller previously missed the game against the Oilers due to illness. He’s sitting just over a point-a-game with 39 points in 37 games this season. Utah will need Keller to continue this production if they hope to rebound after ending their losing skid.

Main Photo: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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