Utah Outlast Jets to Split Season Series

Despite the two teams combining for 19 shots in the first period, Utah’s opening marker was the only goal scored in the frame. However, Utah would come out and apply pressure early in the second period and extend their lead to two on a goal from Hayton, who recorded his second point of the game, along with Keller, who assisted on the goal for his 500th career NHL point.

Utah added a third unanswered goal with three minutes in the second period when Kevin Stenlund beat Hellebuyck clean off the rush, registering his second point of the night. Utah carried their three-goal lead into the second intermission with their goalie Karel Vejmelka saving all 18 shots he faced through the first 40 minutes.

The Jets finally got on the board three minutes into the third period when Mark Scheifele found the back of the net after a wild scramble in front of Utah’s net, which went down as his 800th career NHL point.

Despite the Jets pushing and tallying 12 shots in the third period, Utah and Vejmelka slammed the door and iced the game on an empty-net goal from Nick Bjugstad, which he shot from the defensive end. Vejmelka saved 31 of 32 shots in the win to earn his 24th victory.

While this game had little playoff implications, it was a big win for a young Utah team that shows they are not far off from being a top team in the NHL despite being eliminated from playoff contention. This is a good sign for a team looking to load up on talent this offseason.