The Utah Hockey Club passed the biggest test of its inaugural season, beating the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.
The Hockey Club’s thrilling 2-1 OT win was a testament to the grit and resilience the young team has shown thus far.
The Bruins led the game after scoring in the second period, seemingly on their way to a tight-checking win. But then, the Hockey Club fought back to tie the game in the third on Vladislav Kolyachonok’s goal. For Kolyachonok, it was his first tally of the season. And, what a time he picked to get it.
As the game went into overtime, it looked like the Bruins were completely gassed. They were chasing the puck, unable to keep up with the much faster and more dynamic Utah team. In the end, a careless play by David Pastrnak opened the door to a 4-on-3 OT power play opportunity for the Hockey Club.
The opportunity led to the game-winning goal even though the tally officially came after the penalty had expired. The exhausted group of Bruins’ penalty killers tried to keep it together but simply ran out of steam toward the end.
Kudos to the Utah Hockey Club for clawing their way back, winning a playoff-type game by making the most out of the opportunities afforded to them.
3 key reasons why the Utah Hockey Club passed the test
The Hockey Club beat one of the hardest-hitting teams in the league
The Bruins have a reputation for being one of the hardest-hitting teams in the league. Still, that didn’t keep the Hockey Club from standing up to them. While the game itself wasn’t overly physical, the Hockey Club used its speed and skill to get around the tough-checking Boston defense.
As mentioned earlier, it was evident that the Bruins couldn’t keep up in the third period and overtime. Thus, the Hockey Club could have found a way to get around more veteran-built teams.
The Hockey Club got past Jeremy Swayman
Swayman was magnificent in the game. Since hitting the ice after signing a mega-extension, Swayman has left no doubt he deserved it. For most of Saturday night’s game, it looked as though the Hockey Club would fall victim to Swayman’s unbelievable performance.
Yet, the Utah Hockey Club didn’t back down. They kept pushing and eventually got through. The OT power play push was a good example of how keeping the pressure on can wear down even the most talented netminders.
Believe it or not, Connor Ingram stole the game for the Hockey Club
Those who follow my usual writing will notice I frequently bring up goaltenders “stealing” games for their clubs. That’s what elite goalies like Igor Shesterkin and Connor Hellebuyck do best. They keep their teams in the game long enough until they can score to tie or win a game.
Well, that’s exactly what Connor Ingram did against the Bruins. He kept the Utah Hockey Club in the game long enough until the tying goal came in the third. Then, he held the fort in OT until the power play brought home the win.
Honestly, I wasn’t convinced about Ingram being the full-time starter this season. But thus far, Ingram has made me a believer.