Over 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.
So when Utah captain Clayton Keller scored just seven seconds into the team's first power play of the night, it was clear the offense was clicking early and was going to be a much different team on the power play.
The Captain scores first! 1-0 Club 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0DG4Duehkv
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 5, 2025
While the battle for the puck ensued along the boards, Keller patiently waited, never moving from the spot where he lined up for the faceoff.
When Utah's Nick Schmaltz corralled the puck after teammate Dylan Guenther jarred it loose behind the net, Keller's patience was rewarded. He took a pass from Barrett Hayton with no Winnipeg players anywhere near him.
Skating into open ice, Keller buried just Utah's second power play goal in its last 10 games
"Maybe the power play had been struggling a little bit but I think that's how you get better," said Keller. "When you struggle, you learn from it, you watch the video, you break it down a little bit more, and you simplify. We just had an attack mindset tonight. We finished when we had the opportunities and we worked away from the puck. That's a key for us."
Considering Utah had been converting at a 23.4% clip, 13th-best in the league, before its recent 10-game slide, Keller helping the team break through early on the power play gave Utah an early burst of momentum.
Not only did Keller’s goal spark the team, but it also marked his 500th career point.
Mr. Versatile hits 5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ points 😌 pic.twitter.com/fJvlrp8BXm
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 6, 2025
"It’s cool. I honestly had no idea coming into the game, so I was a bit surprised," said Keller. "Lots of hard work and sacrifice. So many people in my life sacrificed for me to get to this level so I’m just super thankful for everything that they've done for me, my teammates, and my coaches. There are so many people that have helped me get to where I am. I still feel like I have a lot more to give, and I'm just getting started."
It wasn’t just Keller who reached an important milestone in his career.
Utah’s Barrett Hayton also matched his career highs in goals, assists, and points after assisting on Keller’s goal and later adding another power play tally for Utah.
HAYTES STAYS HOT 🔥
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 6, 2025
2-0 Utah. pic.twitter.com/Z9fz6VnqIo
The goal came in typical Hayton fashion: right in front of the blue paint, close to the net.
With Hayton’s tally, Utah finished the night with a 66.6% success rate on the power play, converting on 2-of-3 opportunities, a ...
