SALT LAKE CITY – Welcome back, Dylan Guenther! After missing nearly a month of play, Guenther’s goal tied the game against Philadelphia 2-2. Guenther’s goal came with 11:20 left in the final period.
Tonight is Guenther’s first game since January 8.
GUNNER! TIE GAME! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GhsgRAwXCx
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) February 5, 2025
Guenther entered the slot after receiving a pass from Barrett Hayton. When neither Flyer defender stopped the puck, the third-year forward ripped a forehand shot from the slot that beat Samuel Ersson in goal.
Philadelphia has led all night, but Utah is looking for a rare home win after Guenther’s goal.
Utah has more than double the Flyers’ 17 shots with 36 of their own. A normally more skilled team, Utah has also been physical, out-hitting the Broad Street Bullies 27-23.
Guenther’s heroics continued in overtime. With moments to spare, Guenther deftly skated into the offensive zone, split two Flyer defenders, and fired the puck past Errsson for the game-winner. Guenther’s goal lit the lamp with no time left on the clock.
After missing more than a month with a lower-body injury that he sustained against the Florida Panthers in early January, Guenther will rejoin the Utah Hockey Club on the third line with Barrett Hayton and Michael Carcone.
“He’s a really good player for us. He will bring some energy, some shooting, some playmaking, be on the power play. It’s a big add,” Tourigny said.
With Guenther back, Tourigny has decided to scratch Lawson Crouse in order to make space for Guenther amongst the forwards.
In the midst of a tough season for Utah’s associate captain, the scratch should come as no surprise.
🫵 THIS GUY 🫵 pic.twitter.com/sbQ7GhVLw3
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) February 5, 2025
Through 52 games with the Utah Hockey Club this season, Crouse has managed just 11 points despite appearing in every contest.
“He told me, ‘I made my bed and I have to sleep where I made my bed,’” Tourigny shared.
“Crouse is an important player for us…A great leader, a guy I like a lot. But it is what it is. It’s a coach’s decision.”
As for the return of Guenther, having Utah’s purest sharpshooter back in the lineup couldn’t come at a better time.
With Cooley out and the team struggling to produce offensively over the last few weeks, Guenther’s presence will not only add depth to the lineup but the dependable offense for a team that is desperate for some wins.
Utah Hockey Club games can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on the KSL Sports app or 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
Cole Bagley is the Utah Hockey Club insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. Listen to Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.
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Brian Preece is a KSLsports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball coverage here.
