Utah Hockey Club puts on a show in over-time victory over LA Kings
Sep 24, 2024, 8:00 AM | Updated: 4:43 pm
The Utah Hockey Club acknowledges the fans after the win as they open their inaugural season with a win against the Los Angeles Kings in the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Sept. 23, 2024. Utah won 3-2 in overtime. (Scott G. WInterton/Deseret News)
(Scott G. WInterton/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Despite a slow start and some early nerves, the Utah Hockey Club put on a thrilling show for their fans full of fights, goals, and an OT winner as they defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 in their first-ever preseason game.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s first preseason home victory.
Utah Hockey Club defense needs work but that is expected
When you add several new faces to your defensive unit and give several young prospects solid minutes in the first preseason game, mistakes are bound to happen and that’s just fine.
Even though the defensive lines eventually cleaned things up for the most part against the Kings, it was a bit rough early on and there were moments that demonstrated this defense needs more time to develop.
Upon first glance, Mikhail Sergachev was solid, Sean Durzi was very good, Ian Cole was physical and overall, they were fine. But some of the miscues created odd-man rushes, two-on-one situations and forced the goaltenders to make some tremendous saves.
With time, and as this roster takes more of an NHL shape, they should be clicking on October 8.
Read the full story and more from Cole Bagley at KSLSports.com.
Related: Fans gear up for the Utah Hockey Club’s first home game
