LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 02: Barrett Hayton #27 of the Utah Hockey Club skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on November 02, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Hockey Club 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Despite the first hat-trick in Utah Hockey Club history from Barrett Hayton as part of a masterclass performance from the young forward, Utah dropped yet another close game to the LA Kings on the road.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s deflating 5-3 loss to the Kings.
After missing 52 games due to a shoulder injury that he sustained early in the season, Sean Durzi returned with a palpable confidence to Utah’s lineup against the LA Kings on Saturday night.
Despite the loss, the talented defenseman recorded two shots, two blocks and an assist in more than 20 minutes on the ice.
What a return for Sean Durzi tonight.
Thus far he’s got 1 assist, 2 shots, and 2 blocks in more than 19 minutes on the ice.
That’s pretty impressive considering he hasn’t played since early October.
No. 50 was ready to go.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 23, 2025
That’s remarkably impressive for a first game back from injury.
While his defense was solid, what stands out the most about Durzi’s game was his confidence on the puck, feistiness and the way he made such a noticeable impact offensively.
“Durz is a huge piece. He worked really hard on his rehab. To come back now and step in full force…sometimes you can be tentative…I think he did a heck of a job coming in full steam,” Barrett Hayton said about Durzi.
“The leadership, he just brings a lot of confidence to our D-core.”
In addition to his assist to Hayton, Durzi relentlessly attacked in the offensive zone all night long in a collection of different ways.
Whether he was moving the puck, carrying the puck, taking shots, or going right at the net himself, Durzi was consistently dangerous and made his presence known.
Nice little sequence from Sean Durzi to step up with the puck and put a backhander on net in close.
That’s what he brings to the game. Confidence on the puck and the ability to become dangerous in the O-zone.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 23, 2025
“He’s an absolute stud…he’s such an underrated player. So smart. Really good with the puck,” Clayton Keller said about Durzi.
“If you’re playing up front, you want him to be out there on the ice because he’s going to find you.”
Clayton Keller on the return of Sean Durzi:
“It’s huge. He’s an absolute stud…he’s such an underrated player. So smart. Really good with the puck.”
“If you’re playing up front, you want him to be out there on the ice because he’s going to find you.” pic.twitter.com/HLa1q3TSzO
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 21, 2025
So, while the loss is a tough pill to swallow, Durzi looked fantastic, and didn’t miss a beat despite missing so much time.
While it’s been an up and down season of production for forward Barrett Hayton, the former 2018 first round draft selection has really found his footing offensively as of late for the Utah Hockey Club.
With not one, not two, but three goals against the LA Kings on Saturday night, Hayton demonstrated the development of his game and just how dangerous he can be in front of the net.
“I often talk about how much Hayton plays the right way. He does everything right. He has the right attitude. He competes so hard,” head coach Andre Tourigny said.
“You can’t not cheer for him. Really happy for him.”
An absolute PEST in front of the net and continuing to find success there.
Every team needs someone to crowd the crease, and Hayton has answered that call as of late. https://t.co/XCyFO5f341
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 23, 2025
Barrett Hayton is absolutely FEASTING close to the net right now.
Absolutely HUGE for Utah if he can keep this up. He’s really coming along nicely as of late. https://t.co/yXfMHrsUgJ
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 23, 2025
History has been made off the tape of Barrett Hayton.
First hat-trick in club history belongs to No. 27.
What a game for him. Statement performance.pic.twitter.com/A8ZxwuKECB
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 23, 2025
With the majority of Hayton’s goals coming in close to the net front this season, he’s certainly established himself as a bothersome presence which is a huge win for the team.
Not only has he been able to put the puck in the back of the net, but Hayton battles incredibly hard, creates turnovers, cleans up rebounds and does a few little things to be genuinely obnoxious.
Every team needs a player willing to do that.
Someone who crowds the crease, digs relentlessly and pokes at the puck until the defense has no choice but to step in.
Barrett Hayton is BATTLING in front of the net tonight and that’s where he thrives.
If he can continue to find consistent success in that area, he’s going to be a dangerous piece of Utah’s offense.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 23, 2025
After dealing with some adversity early in his career and missing most of last season due to injury, it’s incredibly positive for Utah to see Hayton make a significant impact.
If he can continue to build on what he’s accomplished this season, Hayton will be a critical piece of Utah’s offense as they build towards playoff contention.
Following a 5-3 loss the LA Kings, Utah faces a must-win situation on Sunday night against the Vancouver Canucks at home.
Currently trailing the Canucks by six points in the standings, Utah has a chance to make up some ground and really put pressure on Vancouver in the final wild card spot.
Not only would a regulation win would cut the difference to just four points, but with another matchup against the Canucks in March, Utah could close the gap even more so as long as they’re still battling.
With 25 games left, Utah needs to pick up approximately 35-38 points.
That means they’ll have to win at least 18 or 19 of the games remaining to have a legitimate shot to get in.
With that in mind, tomorrow is arguably the most important game that Utah has played all season, and a win will be absolutely necessary if they don’t want their playoff hopes to quickly slip away.
The Utah Hockey Club will host the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday 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.
