ELMONT, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 10: Dylan Guenther #11 of Utah Hockey Club celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the New York Islanders during overtime at UBS Arena on October 10, 2024 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – For the second straight game, Dylan Guenther was the overtime hero as he led the Utah Hockey Club to victory over Columbus with a clutch OT goal. In addition to continued brilliance from the Salt Lake Assassin, Lawson Crouse impressed in his return as Utah secured two massive points on the road to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s late victory over the Blue Jackets.
After spending a few months with the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL, Josh Doan has been excellent in his return to the Utah Hockey Club.
In his 14 games since rejoining the lineup, Doan has registered a goal and three assists.
He’s also been relentless in his battles, generated a plethora of turnovers, given 110 percent effort and consistently played with a chip on his shoulder to prove he belongs.
As for his IQ, Doan has made a collection of elite plays to set up his teammates for easy scoring chances and recently added another in Columbus.
Shortly after missing the net on a grade A chance himself, Doan yet again received the puck in close, assessed his surroundings, baited several defensemen into stepping towards him and then fed Lawson Crouse in the slot who buried it into the open net.
“What’s underrated on that play is he wanted to shoot first and when he saw the play close, he was capable of changing his mind, looking for the next option & made the right decision,” head coach Andre Tourigny said.
“That’s IQ.”
Just an excellent play all the way around.
Suffocating pressure from the third line to generate a turnover, absolutely STELLAR work from Josh to draw in the defense and then set up Crouse who was calling for it. https://t.co/GuFevFCbwo
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 7, 2025
While a player is often judged by their production and Doan could certainly improve in that area with a few more points, he’s more than made up for it with his relentless effort and complete 200-foot-game.
Based on his performances, Doan should remain with Utah for the rest of the season as he’s played with an absolute desperation to help the team win games.
That’s exactly the mindset Utah needs right now as they fight for their lives to remain in the playoff hunt.
After being scratched against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, forward Lawson Crouse responded with a fire in his belly as he returned to the lineup in Columbus.
“I think he’s a big leader on our team. He’s a big boy hockey type of player. Looking forward to seeing his response,” Tourigny said after morning skate.
“As a team, we have different ways to hold our players accountable…we went that way this time.”
Per Tourigny,
Lawson Crouse will return to the lineup after being scratched against Philadelphia.
Maccelli will be scratched for the second time this season.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 6, 2025
Not only did Crouse register a critical goal to tie the game in the second period, but he played with more energy and urgency than he has in some time.
He was aggressive on the forecheck, battled in the dirty areas, finished his checks and suffocated the Blue Jackets all night.
“He played hard, he was focused, he was intense. I really liked his game,” Tourigny said.
While no player ever wants to be scratched, Crouse responded like a true pro and demonstrated how a scratch can be a positive wakeup call for any player, regardless of talent or position.
Ultimately, Utah’s coaching staff decided to send a message to their associate captain that his performances were unsatisfactory.
Crouse then embraced the challenge and responded with a goal and six hits in one of his best games of the season.
For the second straight game, Dylan Guenther put on his cape and answered the bat-signal with another OT winner to keep Utah’s playoff hopes alive.
4 points, 3 goals, and 2 game winners in 2 games back.
Dylan Guenther is keeping Utah’s playoff push hopes alive.
What a clutch player. Couldn’t have come back at a better time.
Utah lives to fight another day!pic.twitter.com/TSq8RRAPGp
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 7, 2025
“Unbelievable. I saw they were offside, so I took off and got a little lucky it came back,” Guenther said.
“Hell of a pass by Ingy…we found a way to win. That’s the biggest thing.”
In the two games since Guenther returned to the lineup, No. 11 has four points, three goals, two game winners, and helped Utah secure four massive points.
Amidst five-straight losses and only four wins in Guenther’s 12 game absence, Utah was starved for offense as they were outscored 15-9 during the losing streak.
Over the last two games, Utah has already scored six goals with Guenther back in the lineup.
While Utah will still need some help to reach the playoffs, they’re hanging in the mix during a critical stretch thanks to the brilliance of Guenther.
If they can win one of the next two games and get to the break within six or fewer points of a wild card spot, Utah will be poised to compete down the stretch as they get healthier and continue to rely on the tape of their young assassin.
The Utah Hockey Club will face the Carolina Hurricanes on the road on Saturday morning. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
