ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Utah Hockey Club emerged victorious against the Minnesota Wild with an impressive 4-0 shutout on Thursday night, marking their third consecutive win. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka had a standout performance, making 26 saves to secure his first shutout of the season.
Barrett Hayton was the star of the night, scoring twice for Utah, complemented by goals from Clayton Keller and Lawson Crouse. Defenseman Nick DiSimone played a pivotal role by assisting on both of Hayton’s goals, showcasing the team’s collective strength.
The game saw Utah dominate from the start, outshooting Minnesota 16-5 and ending the first period with a 2-0 lead. Hayton opened the scoring, initiating the early surge for the visiting team.
Filip Gustavsson, Minnesota's goalie, managed to save 25 shots but faced significant challenges against Utah's aggressive offense. The Wild entered the match struggling, having lost five of their previous seven games, and this loss only added to their woes.
Hayton’s second goal came early in the third period, where he netted a backhander off a rebound. This decisive play was particularly frustrating for Gustavsson, who was unable to regain control, highlighting Utah's relentless pressure throughout the match.
Utah's strategic outshooting and exceptional goaltending contributed to their dominant display at the Xcel Energy Center, leaving fans energized and optimistic for the upcoming matches. This victory not only boosts Utah's morale but also emphasizes their potential as formidable competitors this season.
With this win, the Utah Hockey Club aims to build on their momentum and continue their winning streak, pushing their way up the league standings. Conversely, the Minnesota Wild will need to regroup and reassess their strategies, as they look to break their current trend of disappointing results.