Here's what stood out in Utah Hockey Club's 4-3 overtime win over the Los Angeles Kings Saturday night at the Rookie Face-Off in El Segundo.
Well, that was fun.
After giving up a 3-1 lead with less than four minutes left in regulation, fifth-round pick Owen Allard sniped his second goal of the Rookie Face-Off at 4:27 of overtime to help Utah escape with a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings Saturday.
It was a night where Utah HC again started slow, but quickly took control of the game and dominated the majority of regulation until the final few minutes.
Here's my three takeaways and the star of the game from tonight's big win.
Owen Allard is the real deal. KSL Sports' Jay Stevens and I were discussing Utah HC might have found a gem in the fifth round, and it's been proven right. Allard now has four points in two games, including the game-winning overtime goal tonight. He's been in the right spot at the right time for Utah the past two games, and his willingness to get to the dirty areas has paid off for him. Don't be surprised if he gets an invite with the veterans next week.
Power plays need some work. While a 1-for-7 may be a sign again of inexperience, some of the play looked rushed and sometimes too dependent on the point-men. The converse was also true where players were too unselfish in wanting to make the big play. Good news is, along with the turnovers and untimely penalties, this is completely fixable.
Learn to finish. Up 3-1 with four minutes left, it's easy to relax. Utah HC took their foot off the gas, and the Kings made them pay with two goals in nearly a minute. Steve Potvin will make sure the young guns know about it, but again, this is a fixable thing.
Star of the Game: Owen Allard. Sure, I could have gone with anyone on the top six, like Miko Matikka, Julian Lutz, or Noel Nordh, but when you score the game-winner in OT and you have four points in two games? This kid is the man.