![[original_title]](https://rawnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1728790792_i.jpeg)
NEW YORK CITY — Utah Hockey Club star Clayton Keller mentioned his staff confirmed it might probably measure up with Stanley Cup contenders after its 6-5 time beyond regulation win on the New York Rangers on Saturday night time. However the NHL’s latest staff additionally confirmed it might probably win when issues get bizarre.
Utah improved to 3-0-0 after profitable a sport that noticed seven objectives scored within the second interval; one other Rangers purpose saved off the board as a consequence of goalie interference; two ejections for beginning a combat whereas one was already ongoing; and the house staff rallying to tie the sport 3 times, together with within the third interval earlier than Keller ended it in time beyond regulation together with his third purpose of the season, roofing the puck over goalie Igor Shesterkin.
“These are the video games the place you must keep affected person,” mentioned Keller. “Earlier than, I might form of get off my sport as a result of issues aren’t going my manner or there are a pair unhealthy bounces. However as a gaggle we have been in a position to combat by way of and get the win.”
That was very true after one of many oddest objectives of the younger NHL season: Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller banking the puck off the facet boards and having it journey immediately into an open Utah web to chop the result in 4-3 within the second interval.
“I mentioned ‘That is MSG, child.’ That is what I believed. Right here we go. There’s ghosts someplace,” mentioned Utah coach André Tourigny. “However we have been nonetheless forward. It was essential for us to remain degree and never get emotional.”
After the sport, Utah did get emotional of their dressing room, celebrating a torrid 3-0-0 begin that is been outlined by their goal-scoring. Utah is the third franchise in NHL historical past to attain 5 or extra objectives in every of their first three video games of existence. The 1917-18 Montreal Canadiens maintain the NHL file at 5 straight video games with 5 or extra objectives. Regardless of relocating from Arizona, Utah is taken into account a brand new NHL franchise since their data and mental property remained with Coyotes possession after the sale.
Main that offense is ahead Dylan Guenther, who scored on the ability play in opposition to the Rangers to provide him 5 objectives on the season and the NHL lead in that class.
“He is good at each section of the sport. He sees the ice nicely and has lots of delight in his sport offensive and defensively,” mentioned Tourigny. “That is good, as a result of which means the coach will need to put you on the ice.”
Keller, who performed eight years with the Coyotes, had two objectives and an help on the night time. Whereas he would not go so far as to say that the third sport of the season could possibly be an announcement sport, he mentioned profitable in opposition to the Rangers was a confidence enhance for the staff.
“That is a staff that has had lots of success. They have been proper there the final couple years. There’s not any holes of their lineup, so it is good to go head-to-head with them early within the season and see how we match up in opposition to them,” he mentioned.
Whereas Utah beat the Rangers on the ice, Keller indicated in addition they had a bonus within the stands when requested if Delta Middle in Salt Lake Metropolis was louder than Madison Sq. Backyard.
“I believe Delta Middle was slightly louder for the house opener,” he mentioned.
Tourigny joked that 6-5 end result was “precisely the best way we needed it” by way of play.
“It is leisure. We’re in Manhattan,” he mentioned, earlier than indicating that this staff needed to tighten up defensively.
“We scored lots of objectives, however we hand over an excessive amount of, and that is with nice goaltending,” he added, shouting out goalie Connor Ingram’s 29 saves within the win. “We’re not falling asleep with our resumé. It is enjoyable profitable. All people has enjoyable. However we all know if we need to maintain it, we have to tighten it up defensively.”
Utah subsequent visits the New Jersey Devils on Monday.
