The Utah Hockey Club really missed Dylan Guenther’s play when he was out nearly a month with a lower-body injury. Besides Clayton Keller, Guenther is one of Utah’s most important forwards, especially when it comes to scoring goals. Since returning from his injury, Guenther hasn’t missed a beat as he keeps finding the net. His last game before being put on injured reserve was a 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. He did not register a point in the game. However, things have since gone perfectly for Guenther and Utah will need him to stay healthy the rest of the way.
Dylan Guenther Taking Charge
As Guenther continues a career season, he has been a key source of offence lately for Utah. The 21-year-old winger has 41 points in 43 games, 20 goals and 21 assists. He scored his 20th goal in Sunday afternoon’s 5-4 shootout win against the Washington Capitals. The goal also helped Guenther tie Keller for the team lead in goals.
He now has seven points in the last four games, scoring four goals and back-to-back overtime winners against the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets. Utah has gone to overtime 17 times this season, which is the most of any team in the league.
Top shelf where mom keeps the cookies
Gunner makes it a 4-2 game. pic.twitter.com/NBjsO8XyrV
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) February 9, 2025
Although it has been difficult for Utah to secure victories, Guenther’s play has not been affected. In the last four games, Guenther registered at least five shots on goal and had six in each of the first three. He now also leads Utah in power play goals with eight and overtime winning goals with three.
After snapping a five-game losing streak, Utah has now won three of its last four games, with two wins coming in overtime and one in a shootout. Guenther has played a big role in those wins as his team continues its push for the playoffs. With the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off starting, Utah is still six points behind the Vancouver Canucks for the final wild card spot. Guenther will need to keep his production up if Utah wants any chance of making the playoffs.
GUNNER PLAYS HERO!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/7h8mxS7wJ2
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) February 7, 2025
Star in the Making
Guenther is quickly becoming one of Utah’s biggest stars. Along with centre Logan Cooley, the pair are key to Utah’s future. Even though they have not been on the same line much this season, both are developing into elite offensive players. Guenther, a natural goal scorer and Cooley, a natural playmaker.
Guenther, a former ninth-overall pick, didn’t hold a permanent spot in the lineup last season. He only played in 45 games. However, Guenther still recorded 35 points and already has a career-high this season in two less games.
He leads Utah in expected goals and points per 60 minutes with 1.6 and 3.28 respectively. Guenther is a player Utah can rely on to score timely goals and he has done that on many occasions this year. He is tied with Barrett Hayton for the team lead in game-winning goals with five.
Utah is looking to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history and Guenther will be looked upon to lead them there. It can’t be all about Keller, others like Guenther and Cooley are expected to show up most days.
There are officially 26 games left in the regular season and it’s getting close to crunch time for Utah. Once the 4 Nations break is over, every game going forward will matter and Guenther has to continue playing near-perfect hockey. Utah will use the time off to reset, recover from any ailments and get ready for the final stretch.
Main Photo Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
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