Every team needs an energetic player on their team that can provide a spark. The third line for the Utah Hockey Club has particularly struggled all season long and seemed to have no answers for it. The line of Matias Maccelli, Nick Bjugstad and Lawson Crouse is having a down year and the trio hasn\u2019t clicked for Utah. A change in the line was made and the return of a forward has helped. Liam O\u2019Brien hasn\u2019t played much this season and his presence has given the Utah lineup a fresh burst of energy.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Brien has only played in seven games this season as he was scratched for two months, essentially being excluded from the lineup. He returned against the Edmonton Oilers and played the next two against the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars<\/a>. Although O\u2019Brien doesn\u2019t provide much offensively, he plays an aggressive style where he\u2019ll hit anything that moves and will constantly forecheck.<\/p>\n In the game against the Flames, O\u2019Brien\u2019s pressure along the boards behind Calgary\u2019s net helped dislodge the puck and led to a 1-0 lead for Utah. Crouse scored the goal, which was his first tally in 15 games and he would add another later in the game. Crouse spoke highly of O\u2019Brien\u2019s game and what he brings to the team. Although he\u2019s had over 100 penalty minutes in each of the last three seasons, O\u2019Brien adds a different element to the Utah lineup.<\/p>\n Spicy Tuna appreciation post \ud83d\ude0c pic.twitter.com\/VX3Z2MbCPx<\/a><\/p>\n — Utah Mammoth (@utahhockeyclub) January 5, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n