As the Utah Hockey Club prepares to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 27, 2025, they find themselves in a critical phase of their inaugural NHL season. With a current record of 32-28-11, Utah is positioned sixth in the Central Division, accumulating 75 points. Their recent performance has been a mix of highs and lows, reflecting both the potential and challenges faced by an expansion team striving for playoff contention. In their most recent outing on March 24, Utah suffered a 5-1 defeat to the Detroit Red Wings. Despite an early goal by Dylan Guenther, the team struggled offensively, managing only 17 shots on goal. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka faced a challenging night, conceding five goals on 14 shots before being replaced by Jaxson Stauber, who stopped all nine shots he faced in relief. This loss highlighted the team’s inconsistency, especially following a 6-4 victory over the Lightning just two days prior. Offensively, Utah’s top line has been a beacon of hope. Clayton Keller leads the team with 24 goals and 54 assists, totaling 78 points. His playmaking ability has been instrumental in setting up scoring opportunities. Nick Schmaltz complements Keller with 17 goals and 40 assists, bringing his point total to 57. Rookie center Logan Cooley has also made a significant impact, contributing 21 goals and 33 assists. Cooley’s recent performance against Tampa Bay was particularly noteworthy, as he recorded two goals and an assist, showcasing his growing confidence and skill at the NHL level. Defensively, the team has faced challenges. Mikhail Sergachev, acquired to bolster the blue line, has provided offensive support with 13 goals and 32 assists but holds a minus-6 rating, indicating struggles in defensive zone coverage.

The defensive unit’s ability to tighten play and reduce turnovers will be crucial against Tampa Bay’s potent offense. Goaltending has been a point of concern. Karel Vejmelka, the primary starter, has a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.50 and a save percentage of .908 over 45 games. Backup Connor Ingram, who had a 3.27 GAA and .882 save percentage in 22 games, entered the NHL/NHL Players’ Association player assistance program on March 9, leaving his return date uncertain. In response, Utah recalled Jaxson Stauber from the Tucson Roadrunners. Stauber has shown promise in limited action, posting a 2.23 GAA and .925 save percentage over four games. Special teams have been a mixed bag for Utah. Their power play operates at a 22.4% success rate, while the penalty kill stands at 80.8%. Improving these numbers will be vital, especially against a Lightning team with a formidable power play. Head coach André Tourigny emphasizes a balanced approach, encouraging players to learn from setbacks and maintain focus. Following a recent loss to the Seattle Kraken, Tourigny advised the team to “put the tape right in the trash and move on,” highlighting the importance of resilience. As Utah prepares for this rematch against Tampa Bay, the team aims to replicate the success of their previous meeting while addressing defensive lapses and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. A disciplined, cohesive effort will be essential to secure a victory and keep their playoff hopes alive.