SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 10: Nick Schmaltz #8 of the Utah Hockey Club celebrates a goal with the team during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Delta Center on March 10, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Continuing to play with their backs against the wall on the brink of elimination, the Utah Hockey Club obliterated the Seattle Kraken in a lopsided 7-1 victory. With seven players finding the back of the net and 12 total on the scoresheet, Utah kept their playoff hopes alive for at least one more day with a big win on home ice.
Here are the key takeaways from Utah’s victory over Seattle.
While the Utah Hockey Club got exactly what they wanted in a No. 1 defenseman when they traded for Mikhail Sergachev this past summer, No. 98 has surpassed expectations with his consistent contributions offensively.
Registering 15 goals and counting for Utah in their inaugural season, Sergachev has more than stepped into that top role as he continues to surpass his career-best in terms of lighting the lamp.
In addition to taking more shots than his average in Tampa (343 and counting in Utah), Sergachev is also shooting more effectively with a career-best 11.6 percent.
Against the Kraken, Sergachev added to that total with a well-placed shot from just outside the slot.
🚨 Sergy gets the Club going!
1-0, Utah. pic.twitter.com/XzwspMlbmd
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 9, 2025
Leading the team in minutes on ice while playing on the top line, power play, and power kill, Sergachev has undeniably made the most of his ice time.
“From the get-go he was exactly what we ordered. Some nights he plays half the game for us back there,” General Manager Bill Armstrong told Hans and Scotty.
“He’s just a wizard on defense. He’s solid, plays the power play, probably one of the best PK guys in the league and he’s a heck of a leader. He’s going to help us grow into a championship organization.”
Despite spending most of the year in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners, forward Kailer Yamamoto has not only impressed during his short stints with the Utah Hockey Club but also been a true professional all along the process.
After being the odd man out between Liam O’Brien, Josh Doan, Matias Maccelli and Michael Carcone for a roster spot to begin the season, Yamamoto embraced the move and went to work in Tucson.
Appearing in 52 games for the Roadrunners this season, Yamamoto led the team with 53 points (19G, 34A).
While the initial move may have somewhat taken him off guard, Yamamoto’s confidence grew as he thrived in the AHL.
“I feel like my confidence has been growing,” Yamamoto said. “Obviously, started up here, got sent down, was a little bit rattled by that.”
“I feel like I worked on a lot of parts of my game. Grew a lot of confidence in my game. So, I think that helped me out a lot.”
Rather than being upset or allowing the assignment to crush his spirits, Yamamoto took it in stride.
That’s commendable.
As a seven-year veteran and former first round pick, Yamamoto could’ve thrown a fit and watched his career disappear.
Instead, he did whatever was asked of him and was rewarded with a call-up.
“He’s a really good player. His hockey IQ, his give-and-go game, and his experience as well, you can see the NHL is not new for him.”
It’s not like he’s a guy who is trying to break into the NHL, he’s already been here. His playmaking defensively and under pressure are really good,” head coach Andre Tourigny said.
Scoring his second goal of the season for Utah against his former team and delivering a pulverizing open-ice hit, Yamamoto continued to show the front office what he’s made of.
That passing 🤌🤌🤌
Great movement, beautiful setup, gorgeous finish.
The boys are BUZZING at Delta Center. https://t.co/39CzHk4ioB
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 9, 2025
Take it easy Yam 😭🤯pic.twitter.com/RmN1Y1qkCX
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 9, 2025
“It feels awesome to be completely honest,” Yamamoto added.
“[I’ve] played in the NHL the last couple of years; that’s obviously my main goal. So, to be able to get called up and play the last part of this year means a lot.”
So, should Utah re-sign Yamamoto?
Yes, or at a minimum, it’s certainly something they should consider.
To have a player of his skillset, character and drive at your disposal is exactly what you want on your second, fourth line or as a scratch.
Especially considering Maccelli’s struggles and Carcone’s decline in production, Yamamoto could be a reliable and relatively cheap addition that badly wants to perform for Utah next season.
“Absolutely. Obviously, working for that one way. I think I’ve been playing pretty good so far. So, four games left, I’m just gonna keep going for it,” he said.
Kailer Yamamoto on if he’s trying to play his way into a new contract:
“Absolutely. Obviously, working for that one way. I think I’ve been playing pretty good so far. So, four games left, I’m just gonna keep going for it.”#UtahHC pic.twitter.com/TlQf2aGtGZ
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 9, 2025
Following Utah’s absolute domination of Seattle in a 7-1 victory, the club yet again kept their playoff hopes alive with two critical points.
Clayton Keller! Absolutely electric⚡️🔋
2-0, Utah. pic.twitter.com/Z4LYVnLDN5
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 9, 2025
These guys CAN’T be stopped! Crouser makes it 4-0, Utah! pic.twitter.com/GwTP1XYKsO
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 9, 2025
COOL CAT 🐱😎
Cooley makes it 5-0! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kWnKYIk2fK
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 9, 2025
However, based on the current standings, one point is the magic number for the Utah Hockey Club and their destiny will be in the hands of the Minnesota Wild tomorrow night.
1 point is the magic number for #UtahHC right now.
Any loss will eliminate them from the playoff race. Meanwhile, any point for the Wild will also do the same.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 8, 2025
Unfortunately for Utah, a single point eliminates them from contention meaning that a win or OT loss for the Wild would be the dagger.
While the San Jose Sharks don’t pose as a significant threat, they could prolong Utah’s contention another night with a regulation victory.
The Utah Hockey Club will now host the Nashville Predators on Thursday night for the final home game of the inaugural season. 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.
