SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 08: Lawson Crouse #67 of Utah Hockey Club skates against the Chicago Blackhawks at Delta Center on October 08, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. This game is the first for the franchise in Utah following their relocation from Arizona. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – While it wasn’t the prettiest game, the Utah Hockey Club dug deep to claim another critical victory on home ice over the Chicago Blackhawks. Following a clutch late goal from forward Lawson Crouse, Utah’s playoff hopes live to see another day after adding two more points in the standings.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s third-straight win on home ice.
While Utah struggled to find the back of the net against the Blackhawks through the first 30 minutes, the power play was simply abysmal on Tuesday night as they finished the game 0-5 on the man advantage.
Even though they generated opportunities, none of them were overly dangerous and the puck never found the back of the net during the power play.
That’s a tough result, especially in a game against an inferior opponent when you desperately need points.
But with Logan Cooley back in the lineup, it may be time for No. 92 to return to the top unit.
Now, it is important to note that Barrett Hayton has more than held his own in Cooley’s place. He’s been relentless in front of the net, moved the puck well, and generated opportunities.
However, Cooley simply brings more to that group with his speed, confidence, puck handling and the way he attacks the net with ferocity.
Is there an argument that Cooley is still on a minute’s restriction, not fully himself yet and they don’t want to overload him?
Absolutely.
But at this point in the season, with playoffs on the line and the team desperately battling to stay in the fight, Utah needs Cooley on the top unit as soon as he’s able.
While the Hawks connected on the PP, Utah’s PP is 0/2 so far tonight & has struggled to create any dangerous chances.
With Cooley now healthy, it’s time to put him back on the top unit. He brings so much to that group with his confidence, playmaking, and speed.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 26, 2025
With 16 power play points (7G, 9A) to this point in the year, it may be worth a few extra Cooley minutes to generate more production on the power play.
Following a rough stretch of games for Lawson Crouse in terms of converting Grade A chances and coming up empty on a few breakaway opportunities, the Associate Captain emphatically delivered when the team desperately needed a goal.
Been a rough go for Crouse as of late on scoring chances but my goodness he came through on this one.
Massive goal in a critical moment. What a backhand. https://t.co/q0mmtPsPSN
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 26, 2025
Despite an onslaught of 36 shots against the Blackhawks, pucks refused to cross Chicago’s goal line for most of the evening.
Whether it was a few stellar saves by goaltender Arvid Soderblom, blocked shots or simply unfortunate bounces, Utah struggled to find an answer.
However, with the clock under 10 minutes to go in the third period, Crouse went top shelf with a perfectly placed backhander that sent Delta Center into a frenzy.
“I did a lot of reflecting over the break. I felt that I was getting away from that shot first mentality.”
“I said to myself, I’m going to shoot more pucks whenever I can…and when I do get the puck be ready to shoot it.”
Good stuff from Lawson Crouse:
“I did a lot of reflecting over the break. I felt that I was getting away from that shot first mentality.”
“I said to myself, I’m going to shoot more pucks whenever I can…and when I do get the puck be ready to shoot it.” pic.twitter.com/TfB6VSXswD
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 26, 2025
Right now, it doesn’t matter how the puck goes in or who takes the shot, just as long as they light the lamp and pick up points.
Tonight, Crouse answered the call and showed how much he cares about helping the team get results.
“It feels good. The crowd’s been so great to us all season long. I want to score more goals for them, I’m not going to lie, but that’s a good start,” Crouse said.
“Hopefully I can keep going.”
With back-to-back wins to begin the home stand, Utah’s playoff hopes are still very much alive amidst a race that is tightening up.
As of right now, Utah has a total of 61 points and are just three points out of the second wild card spot.
“They want it. There’s a good feel on the bench right now. There’s a feel of competitiveness, there’s a feel of care, there’s a feel of passion. I like the way it feels,” Andre Tourigny.
“The guys are all in on winning. They don’t give a damn about who. It’s us, period.”
While it is important to note that both Vancouver (63) and Calgary (64) have two games in hand, Utah plays both of those teams once more down the stretch.
Additionally, Colorado is beginning to slow down as they’ve gone 5-5 over their last 10 and are only four points ahead of Calgary.
But now it gets even more real.
To finish off the home stand, Utah will face Minnesota and New Jersey before heading on the road.
As they’ve done the last two games, Utah has to embrace their mindset and continue to find ways to win.
“It’s the biggest part of our season. We’re doing everything we can to make a push,” Crouse said.
“There’s no excuses in this locker room. We own it. We’re pushing each other to be better and we expect a lot.”
Lawson Crouse:
“It’s the biggest part of our season. We’re doing everything we can to make a push.”
“There’s no excuses in this locker room. We own it. We’re pushing each other to be better and we expect a lot.” pic.twitter.com/t3f9FOW0ZS
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 26, 2025
The Utah Hockey Club will host the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night at Delta Center. 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.
