The Utah Hockey Club dropped its first game of the season on Monday afternoon against the New Jersey Devils 3-0 at the Prudential Center.
The loss particularly stung as the high-octane Utah offense was shut out for the first time in team history. Utah played a very good game overall. They hung tough, but it was the Devils’ power play that notched two goals that made the difference.
Still, there were some bright spots despite the loss. So, let’s get into the positive notes from Monday afternoon’s Utah Hockey Club loss to the New Jersey Devils.
Positive notes from the Utah Hockey Club’s loss against the New Jersey Devils
Utah played a much more structured style
The biggest change had to be the more structured style Utah played on Monday. In previous outings, the high-flying Hockey Club offense led the way. However, the club lacked a solid defensive structure that could minimize the opposition’s chances.
This time around, the Hockey Club gave up three goals. That was an improvement over previous games in which the Hockey Club had given up five. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as the Devils controlled much of the game, leaving Utah with a goose egg on the screen.
Durzi left the game but looks to be all right
Sean Durzi left the game after about nine minutes of play. Apparently, it’s a body injury, according to Utah insider Cole Bagley of KSL Sports.
Ultimately, the injury doesn’t seem serious as Daily Faceoff reports Durzi is still in the lineup. We should get further updates ahead of the Hockey Club’s next game. But it seems Utah fans can breathe a sign of relief as it doesn’t seem like Durzi suffered a serious injury.
Vejmelka was fantastic in the losing effort
The New Jersey Devils came out flying in the game but ran into Karel Vejmelka. Vejmelka looked solid in the game, making 30 stops. Vejmelka looked especially cool during the penalty kill despite giving up two goals with the man advantage.
Perhaps Vejmelka’s best save came late in the game when he stymied Devils’ captain Nico Hischier on a breakaway. Hischier tried a slick move on Vejmelka’s blocker side but was swiftly turned away.
On the whole, Vejmelka’s performance was the biggest bright spot in what was otherwise a disappointing game. Vejmelka showed the Utah Hockey Club has a solid goalie tandem moving forward. Hopefully, the consistent outings will continue, helping Utah bounce back in its next game.