Why we fight

Band of Brothers title shot poorly edited with Utah Hockey Club jerseys.

A quick look at the wildcard standings tells you, it doesn't look good. Vancouver, Calgary, and those streaking Blues are all ahead of Utah in the wild card standings. I have been as critical of the team and coaching staff as anyone and it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "What went wrong?". The simple answer is Nothing. Nothing went wrong. We knew this season, even with the excellent off season additions, was going to be an uphill climb. At the beginning of the season the guys at the Two Line Pass made a few predictions. Some were correct (Keller with 50+ assists) and some were wildly wrong (The over on 160 PIM for Spicy Tuna, anyone?), and some are right where we thought. Which was the Club's playoff chances. We knew that if Utah would make the playoffs it would be by the skin of their teeth, the last wild card spot was the highest of expectations. So lets look at the season, and the bright spots, and see what is left to play for, which is everything for this team.

The Coach

It looks very much like Utah will miss the playoffs, a lot has to go right for us, and wrong for the three other contenders. While it may have been possible if we were fighting just one team, its unlikely that everything falls in line. But that doesn't mean its the end. There is still 11 games to play (as of writing this) and there is still everything to play for. Coach Andre Tourigny is looking to coach this team to a new high in points total and winning percentage. Sometimes there are no moral victories, but this would be one (albeit a small one). I still don't think Coach Tourigny is the guy to take us to the promised land, but the fact is the team has become marginally better each season he has coached. His previous point high mark is 77 set last season with 36 wins. It is almost certain he will eclipse both this season. It will still feel bad finishing 6th in the central (coincidentally also Tourigny's new high) but this is about positivity! The team has had to battle significant injuries all season from Durzi, Marino, Guenther, Cooley, Ingram and others. Without those Tourigny might be making his first NHL Playoff entrance as a coach. This roster when healthy, especially on the defensive side, is likely the best its ever been and the expectations for next season should be playoffs or bust.

The Players

Young Guns

The season bright spot has been the emergence of our emerging superstar talent in Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley. This is the second season for both and they have looked every bit the superstars they are becoming. Cooley has bounced between lines but has firmly cemented himself as the first line center of the future. With 64 games played he sits at 54 points with 21 goals (3rd on the team) and 33 assists (3rd on the team). His offensive prowess has been incredible and he has been tenacious on the defensive end. He is one of the fastest skaters on the ice and has used that speed to create offensive chances and recover from mistakes. Once his faceoff skills improve he will be one of the elite centers in the NHL. Expect Utah to shell out some cash to extend him next season. If he can repeat or improve on his success this season, next seasons value is off the charts as he is still in his rookie contract at under $1 Million a season. For the rest of the season look for Cooley to continue to mature and become the player he was born to be.

Dylan Guenther played half a season with Arizona last year and was immediately a difference maker, which led to a contract extension early this season, slightly eye brow raising at the time when he signed an 8x8, that deal now looks like the steal of the century. He is a natural goal scorer and his one-timer from the faceoff circle is practically unstoppable. It has become a hallmark to this teams success, especially on the powerplay. The team has only lost two games when Guenther scores and he leads the team in goals with 26. He also has 24 assists this season. Guenther missed 12 games due to injury and we can't help but think what might have been if he had been healthy all season. As Guenther continues to improve, and as the team improves around him, there is no reason that he can't continually be in the mix for the Rocket Richard Trophy. Guenther still has time for some more highlight reel goals and we are all for it.

The Captain

When you are looking for bright spots on this team you need look no further than Clayton Keller. He was selected to be the first Captain for the Franchise and his leadership and personal skill has been on display all season. He set a personal best in assists (currently with a team high 54) and is chasing his personal best in points (22-23 season with 86). He currently sits at 78 points, more than a point per game, he should eclipse his best. It makes sense his goal production is down as he has more options available to him than before and his vision on the ice and playmaking abilities has lead to some highlight goals from guys like Guenther. Keller makes everyone better on the ice and he will absolutely be a difference maker as Utah chases its first playoff appearance and only Keller's second career playoff appearance. He is a genuine all star, and if not for his smaller size, would have been a lock to play on Team USA in the 4Nations tournament. He is expected to play for Team USA at the Olympics next year. His leadership will be put to the test as the team faces the reality of missing the playoffs. They can hang their heads or they can follow their Captain and endure to the end. While I am looking at this with nothing but smiles, Keller's determination to win will likely have him look at this season as a series of what ifs, but not because of him.

VEGGIE VEGGIE VEGGIE!

You can hear the chants right out through the Delta Center. Karel Vejmelka has been the MVP of this team from my perspective and since Ingram has dealt with personal issues, it is hard to argue how important he has been embracing the starting role. He is currently riding a 14 game starting streak, highest among goalies this season. He is approaching his career high in games played (previously 49) and is likely to get the majority of starts the rest of the season. He sits at career highs in wins (21) GAA (2.56) and SV% (.905). We were very critical about the handling of the goalie situation specifically because we wanted to see MORE of Vejmelka. But with 11 games to play, he is likely to get 8+ starts and can continue to show why he received the 5 year contract extension he earned.

The Rest

It would be remiss for me not to mention our defensemen when talking about why the team can keep playing and winning. Mikhail Sergachev was the big off season acquisition and he has looked every bit the part of a top pairing defenseman. He has played with multiple pairings with how many defensive injuries this team has sustained. He has looked great along side Olli Maataa and John Marino. He has been an iron man for Utah, and is 5th in the NHL with 25:18 Time on Ice/GP. He plays the powerplay and the penalty kill and is the most important defenseman on the ice for Utah. He has grown into his Assistant Captain role and his leadership on the ice cannot be understated. There is a reason he is the face of the Wake Up Babe, its Utah Gameday!

Nick Schmaltz is my guy, you know it, I know it. He has had an up and down season, going through goal scoring droughts mid season, but he has been an instrumental playmaker and is 2nd on the team in Assists with 40. He is chasing his career high in points. He currently sits at 57 with his career high being 61 set last season. If Utah can land Marner, and we pair Schmaltz with Guenther on line two, mark my words that line is going to be OUTSTANDING!

Other players chasing career highs in Points: Kesselring(already set at 26), McBain (at 22 high of 26), Kevin Stenlund(already set at 20).

Josh Doan has given a monster effort every night since returning to the team in January. His time in the AHL allowed him to restore his confidence and he has found a home on the 3rd line. When you think effort you immediately think of Josh Doan who still hasn't reached his ceiling, and when he does, this team will be contenders.

The Upshot

While the playoffs may be out of reach, there is still so much to play for. This team can continue to show it can compete with the best in the league, and continue to show why we will be a force for many years to come. The fans have shown NHL Hockey belongs in Utah. We have some of the best fans, the best front office, the best beat writers, staff and everyone. Along with the best Podcasts, obviously. Don't turn off your TVs because this journey is just beginning. Think we are wrong? Let us know! @TheTwoLinePass