Following Thursday night’s 6-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild, the Utah Hockey Club have just 22 games remaining in the regular season. Now on a three-game winning streak, Utah sits just two points behind the Vancouver Canucks for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. The Colorado Avalanche currently occupy the first wild card position. With the trade deadline fast approaching, Utah has to decide if they will be buyers on March 7 or if they will sell off any pending UFAs and focus on next year. Utah has an important run of games left to the end the season and the postseason is still very possible for the team in Utah for the first time.
Tough Competition
Utah finds itself in a challenging position, not only needing to perform on most nights, but also having to rely on other teams to slip up. Besides Utah, there are at least four other teams that are looking to jump into the wild card. Even teams above the wild card could drop out of their current positions. This makes every remaining game crucial, and a string of losses could potentially spell the end to Utah’s playoff hopes.
The race in the Western Conference has been incredible all year, making Utah’s task of securing a playoff spot even more difficult. Other teams have played at an elite level for most of the season, with a number of them hitting their stride and keeping up the momentum. The playoff race continues to be a dogfight, with the wild card still up for grabs.
Recent Play
After a rough stretch in January that saw Utah go 5-9, the team’s recent play in February has greatly improved. With the month nearly over, Utah has won six of their last eight games, going 6-2-0 during the span. One bright spot for Utah has been the team’s power play, which carried last month’s success into February.
Yeah, that’ll play
Gunner makes it a 2-0 game! pic.twitter.com/SKZPCD7V24
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) February 28, 2025
Out of the 14 games played in January, Utah scored a power play goal in nine of them. The team has eight power play goals in nine games this month. A successful power play will not only boost Utah’s confidence in their play, but it is key for getting them into the playoffs.
Other than the power play clicking, Utah’s goal scoring has also been up lately. The team has scored three or more goals in six of the last eight games. Not only that, goaltender Karel Vejmelka has stood tall between the pipes. He’s won four-straight starts and five of his last six starts overall, giving up just one goal in the last three. The 28-year-old is 16-15-4 in 37 appearances this season. A lot is working for Utah right now.
21 zákroků, jediný inkasovaný gól a výhra 2:1!
Karel Vejmelka proti Chicagu předvedl další skvělý výkon. pic.twitter.com/lypA1fgzov
— NHL Česko (@NHLcz) February 26, 2025
What This Means for Utah
Utah’s remaining schedule includes several important games against division rivals, and these matchups will undoubtedly determine their fate. There is no denying that Utah’s playoff push is challenging. However, the team’s resilience amid the many injuries this season is a big reason why they still have a chance. Utah is healthy again and in a prime position to make a late run.
Although it will take a strong finish to clinch a playoff spot, Utah is still very much alive in the race. Perhaps there will be a big shakeup in the standings and Utah could end up benefiting from it.
With little time remaining in the regular season, Utah’s path to the playoffs remains uncertain. The team’s fate still rests in their own hands, relying on other teams to lose is not enough. It will require consistent play, staying healthy, and taking advantage of every opportunity to secure all possible points.
Main Photo: Rob Gray- Imagn Images
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