{"id":457080,"date":"2024-11-27T15:46:40","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T20:46:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=457080"},"modified":"2024-11-27T15:46:40","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T20:46:40","slug":"scoring-reliable-unlikely-source","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/11\/27\/scoring-reliable-unlikely-source\/","title":{"rendered":"Utah HC Getting Reliable Scoring From Unlikely Source"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the team\u2019s offence stuck in a rut, the Utah Hockey Club hasn\u2019t been able to rely on its top players for goal scoring. 22 games into the season and Utah finally found its first double-digit goal scorer. Dylan Guenther<\/a> is currently at 10 goals, while captain Clayton Keller<\/a> has been frozen on six since October 30. That\u2019s an 11 game goalless drought for the star winger. However, an unlikely player has been consistently scoring as of late for Utah by playing a strong and rugged game.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leading by Example\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Jack McBain<\/a> is everything a team wants in a player. He generates offence with his speed, isn\u2019t afraid to drive to the net, and is physical on a nightly basis. McBain currently leads all Utah skaters in hits with 63 and is second on the team in penalty minutes with 39. While he should try to limit the penalty minutes, McBain acts as a spark plug that brings endless energy. Although he doesn\u2019t get any power-play time, McBain provides a steady defensive game on the penalty kill. He has won 40 of 69 faceoffs for 58%, which is fourth on the team and always has an active stick on defence. McBain doesn\u2019t have a letter on his sweater, but he has shown he can be a leader without one. Perhaps the other Utah forwards will take notice to his work ethic and start implementing his good habits into their game.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hard Work is Paying Off<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The 6-foot-4 centre, who\u2019s been primarily used in a bottom-six role, has proven himself as a reliable scoring option for Utah. After scoring only two goals in the first 13 games this season, McBain has found the back of the net six times in the last nine games. He currently has a three-game goal scoring streak. McBain started the season on the fourth line for Utah and has since been rewarded for his strong play. After Thursday’s loss to the Boston Bruins<\/a>, he was elevated to second line left-wing with Logan Cooley<\/a> and Guenther. He remained in the position for the past three games against the <\/span>Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a>, Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>, and Montreal Canadiens<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Always a good night when both roommates score \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8 pic.twitter.com\/FZXVg8hHJY<\/a><\/p>\n

— Utah Mammoth (@utahhockeyclub) November 27, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n