The Utah Hockey Club improved its preseason record with a 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks last night. Utah and San Jose brought rosters similar to the ones they will field in the first game of the regular season, so this was another excellent test for Utah.
Matt Benning opened the scoring in the second period for the Sharks on a rocket from the point. Still, the Sharks wouldn't lead for long as Sean Durzi would answer with his own missile from the point, on the powerplay. The Durzi goal was assisted by Utah's 2024 first-round pick, Tij Iginla, and while it won't officially count, that was his first point in NHL action.
Then Kailer Yamamoto would add the game-winning goal and the insurance marker, making his case to be signed for the year after being brought in on a professional tryout option.
Kailer Yamamoto statement game in Utah Hockey Club's win vs. Sharks
Before the puck dropped, Utah announced its starters on social media. The graphic showed Kailer Yamamoto playing on the top line with Clayton Keller and Barrett Hayton. Putting Yamamoto on the top line tonight felt like a 'you need to show us something' move from Head Coach Andre Tourigny, coming off the game against the Avalanche, where Josh Doan had a multi-point night.
The game did not start out so hot for this Yamamoto, Keller, and Hayton line, as they failed to combine for a single shot on goal in the first frame. But this line would dominate the final 40 minutes; all three would finish with multiple points on the night. Yamamoto, specifically, was on fire tonight. Not only did he score twice, but he was also credited with five high-danger scoring chances and three takeaways on the night.
Yamamoto and Josh Doan are likely the two guys competing for the last roster spot on this team. After the game against the Avalanche, Doan's multi-point night may have changed people's opinions. But Yamamoto answered right back tonight, having his best game of the preseason.
However, Josh Doan had a great game in his own right. He finished the game leading Utah in shot attempts, scoring chances, and having five high-danger scoring chances.
Another notable performance we must discuss is Tij Iginla's first unofficial NHL point. This was Iginla's second game of the preseason, but he looks extremely comfortable. In addition to his assist on the Durzi goal, he recorded three shots on goal, one of which went down as a high-danger chance.
If there is anything to take away from this training camp so far, it is that the Utah Hockey Club is extremely deep in the forward category, and this will be huge for Utah's success when the inevitable midseason NHL injury bug hits.
Other notable performers from the game were Clayton Keller and Barrett Hayton, who had assists on both Yamamoto goals. Connor Ingram saved 19 of 20 shots, improving his save percentage to 0.929 in about four periods of preseason action.
Utah will be back in action tonight for their sixth of seven preseason games against the Ducks; I wonder if we will see Josh Doan and Kailer Yamamoto back in the lineup to continue fighting for their roster spots.