The Utah Hockey Club are finally playing meaningful games later into the season, and although their playoff hopes are slowly dwindling, there has been one very impressive stat that has come out of the season.
Karel Vejmelka has started the last 20 games for Utah, which is absolutely amazing in today's NHL.
Typically, Vejmelka would have started in 15 games, and the backup goalie would step in and play five of those games. But most importantly, it would allow Vejmelka to take some games off.
However, with Connor Ingram out indefinitely with personal issues and Jaxson Stauber back in the AHL, it leaves Matt Villalta as the backup. With the team being in a race for a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, it doesn't leave much room for errors, and since Villalta doesn't have a lot of NHL experience, it puts more pressure on Vejmelka to play on consecutive nights.
Ultimately, Vejmelka has played well over the last 20 games. He has given his team chances to win on a nightly basis. Unfortunately, there have been some bad games from the entire team, but overall he has given it all he has to try and help his team win.
Utah is in action next on Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken. With their win last night against the Winnipeg Jets, it kept their playoff hopes alive. However, they can't afford to lose more games, or they will be officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Utah HC Finds Life on Power Play in 4–1 Win Over League-Best Winnipeg JetsOver the last 10 games, Utah has struggled mightily on the power play, converting on just 8.0% of its opportunities during that stretch, second worst in the league.
