Clayton Keller's 18th goal of the season not enough as Utah falls, 3-1, in Ottawa

Playing in front of USA's Four Nation Face-off general manager Bill Guerin (whose day job is being the GM of the Wild), Keller delivered a beauty of a goal, skating across the offense zone before whipping a shot short side to beat Minnesota goalie Filip Gustavsson in the first period.

Karel Vejmelka made 26 saves for his first shutout of the season, Barrett Hayton scored twice and Utah beat the Minnesota Wild 4-0 on Thursday night for its third straight victory. Clayton Keller and Lawson Crouse also scored,

Barrett Hayton scores twice, Karel Vejmelka earns first shutout of season as Utah Hockey Club beats Minnesota, 4-0, for third straight win

The Pittsburgh Penguins (20-24-8) have one more chance to salvage a good feeling from this extended seven-game road trip that seemingly began a lifetime ago with a joyous victory over the Buffalo Sabres and Alex Nedeljkovic’s goalie goal.

I checked in on the crowded field of Eastern Conference wild card hopefuls to see where each team stood. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators have played well enough in the interim, and I’m still bullish about their chances.

With offense becoming a struggle for both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Utah Hockey Club lately, target the Under on the total for the matchup's pick and prediction.

UTAH: #28 IAN COLE - Cole spent parts of four seasons with the Penguins and won two Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017 alongside current Utah teammate Olli Määttä. The defenseman has 13 points (1G, 12A) and ranks second in the NHL with 135 blocked shots.

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their road trip as they visit the Utah Hockey Club at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here at Last Word on Hockey!

THROUGH GAMES OF WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29, 2025

McBain is a natural center but has been used on the left wing this season. Nick Bjugstad has occupied the pivot position on the third line for most of the season but was moved to play with Liam O’Brien and Kevin Stenlund on the fourth line in which Stenlund is the center.

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Claude Giroux broke a third-period tie and added an assist, rookie Leevi Merilainen made 34 saves and the Ottawa Senators beat Utah 3-1 on Sunday night. Giroux gave Ottawa a 2-1 lead at 7:33 and helped set up Brady Tkachuk’s goal with 6:38 remaining. Tim Stutzle also assisted on both goals.