Utah's five year extension of Karel Vejmelka is already looking like it's paid off.
In a 4-2 road win over the Detroit Red Wings, Utah relied heavily on Vejmelka's 38 saves, the highest he's had on the road this season, throughout the first two periods.
After falling behind 2-1 just 8:49 into the game after Michael Kesselring couldn't contest Detroit's Jonatan Berggren shot in time, it was clear Utah was still trying to get back its groove after a long four-day break from playing.
With just nine shots on goal, Detroit had scored twice, and their offense was playing fast and shooting often. But thanks to Dylan Guenther's 23rd goal of the season, the most on the team, Utah was still very much in the game.
But while the goal shots would keep coming from Detroit, specifically 31 more, it would be Vejmelka who would keep Utah alive despite 10 first period giveaways and a lack of rhythm on both offense and defense.
While Vejmelka had to make a lot of tough saves throughout, one of his most important saves came before the end of the first and prevented Detroit from taking a 3-1 lead:
The diving catch from Vejmelka singlehandedly kept Utah in the game despite only getting six shots on goal in the first period.
While it would take Utah roughly six minutes of game time to get its first shot on its first power play of the game, Utah's offense and defense would progressively get better throughout the period.
It started on the defensive end for Utah, as the team allowed no shots on goal during its penalty kill, despite facing a 9-22 shot disparity. This would be the first of Utah's three penalty kills.
After showing life on defense, Utah got a chance to generate offense when Clayton Keller drew a holding penalty on Detroit's Albert Johansson.
With the power play opportunity, Utah would capitalize with a goal from Nick Schmaltz that would give Keller his 300th assist of his career.
Now with the game tied 2-2, Utah looked much more comfortable than it did in the first period. Utah's giveaway's were less frequent, Utah was having an easier time controlling the puck and getting in the offensive zone.
Still, Utah was getting far fewer shots on goal than its opponent. Despite having only 19 shots, its second fewest of the season, compared to Detroit's 40, Utah made the most of its limited opportunities, with a third-period goal from Kevin Stenlund serving as a prime example:
Suddenly, a deflected shot off of Wings defensemen Erik Gustafsson turned into a 3-2 lead for Utah. Even though Detroit's offense was creating lots of shot opportunities, Vejmelka and Utah's defense were staying strong.
With a goal from Lawson Crouse putting Utah up 4-2, the team ended the game with three unanswered goals.
Even after a penalty by the Red Wings gave them just 2:23 to score two goals, Utah needed a clutch full-body block from Ian Cole, who was also recently extended, to secure the 4-2 win over Detroit.
With the win and an a 3-2 overtime Calgary loss, Utah stays only three points out of the final Wild Card spot.
Now, Utah will look to win the second of its back-to-back games against the struglling Chicago Blackhawks Friday, March 7.