In a thrilling pre-season matchup on Monday night, Utah HC emerged victorious over the Los Angeles Kings with a final score of 3-2, thanks to an overtime goal from Clayton Keller. This win marked a significant milestone for the team, as it was their first victory on home ice since relocating from Phoenix earlier in the off-season.
The game started with Utah taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the first period, courtesy of power play goals from Lawson Crouse and Alex Kerfoot. However, the Kings fought back in the second period, with Jeff Malott and Alex Turcotte finding the back of the net to tie the game at 2-2.
After a tense and scoreless third period, Keller sealed the deal for Utah with a quick goal in overtime, beating Kings goalie Carter George five-hole just 19 seconds into the extra period. This historic win was a momentous occasion for the team and their loyal hometown crowd.
In goal for Utah, Connor Ingram put on a solid performance, making 18 saves on 20 shots before being replaced by Matt Villalta after two periods of play. Villalta stepped up to the challenge, turning away nine shots in the final frame to secure the win for his team.
On the Kings side, Erik Portillo made 14 saves on 16 shots, while George allowed one goal on seven attempts. Despite their efforts, the Kings fell short against a determined Utah team.
With this victory, Utah now boasts a 2-0 record in the pre-season, following their earlier win against the St. Louis Blues in Des Moines, Iowa. The team is riding high on momentum as they continue to showcase their skills and build chemistry both on and off the ice.
