What Can Utah Do To Win Its Next Two Home Games?

The end of Utah's seven game home stretch is coming as it will go on the road after games against the St. Louis Blues and the Winnipeg Jets. With only a 1-4 home record to show for it, Utah will need to play much better at home if it wants to keep competing for a playoff spot

With the game against the Rangers being the fourth home loss Utah has had in its last five home games, a lot of different problems have played a part in why Utah has been unable to win. 

In losses to the Panthers and Islanders, Utah managed to score only a goal in each game. Meanwhile, in recent games against the Islanders and Rangers, it was a lack of defense that proved to be the problem as Utah allowed both teams to score five goals each. 

While these games showed various offensive and defensive outputs by Utah, fluctuating between good and bad, one thing has remained clear across these losses: Utah has been unable to win in the third period. 

Barring a late score by Barrett Hayton in its win against the San Jose Sharks, Utah has been outplayed in the third period with it being outscored 10-2 in four home games it lost. It is important to note that three of the goals that were scored against Utah happen when it pulled its goalie. 

But nonetheless, the difference in third period play has really killed Utah's chance to win at home. 

Even with Utah having struggled in the second period all season, as it has allowed teams to outscore it by 15 goals, Utah still was able to manage six third period comeback wins. 

But now, Utah's play in the second period has been better, but it has struggled to close games out the right way. 

So if Utah wants to start winning games again, it will have to play consistent across all periods.

What should Utah focus on doing to ensure it plays well in the period? For starters, getting captain Clayton Keller the puck more would be great as he has yet to score a goal in this home stand. 

But even if Keller isn't able to score a goal, Utah could also look to creating more opportunities for Keller to pass to Logan Cooley as their connection has been one of the few consistent options Utah has had on offense. 

Ensuring good play on defense will be critical for Utah too as it has made far too many mistakes on the defensive end in recent games. 

One area Utah should look to focus on its face offs near its own goal. In its game against the Islanders and the Rangers, Utah allowed both teams to score mere seconds after winning a face off whether it was a late transition or not being ready for a shot on the goal. 

If Utah can look to do these things on offense and defense, Utah will be able to have a better chance against St. Louis. 

What do you think the games final score will be? Let me know down below