Clayton Keller has goal and 4 assists for career-high 5 points in Utah’s 6-1 romp over Wild

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Clayton Keller delivered a career-best performance, tallying five points — including his 22nd goal and four assists — as the Utah Hockey Club dominated the Minnesota Wild 6-1 on Thursday night, securing their fourth consecutive home win.

Nick Schmaltz contributed a goal and two assists, while Barrett Hayton and Logan Cooley each added a goal and an assist. Dylan Guenther and Sean Durzi also found the back of the net, and Karel Vejmelka turned away 15 shots in goal.

For Minnesota, Frederick Gaudreau scored their only goal, and Marc-Andre Fleury made 25 saves.

The scoring opened early with Hayton’s power-play goal at 3:59 in the first period. Utah quickly extended their lead when they capitalized on a two-man advantage late in the first. Marcus Foligno and Jonas Brodin were penalized for high-sticking and hooking, respectively, against Schmaltz. With 30 seconds remaining in the period, Guenther seized the opportunity, scoring his 22nd goal of the season by threading the puck between Fleury and the post.

Gaudreau pulled one back for the Wild, scoring at 3:58 of the second period, but Durzi responded quickly with a long-range shot that put Utah up 3-1 with just over two minutes remaining in the frame.

The third period saw more action as Schmaltz, Keller, and Cooley each scored to further secure the victory.

Minnesota has now been outscored 12-2 in three losses to Utah this season.

Guenther has been exceptional on the power play, collecting five power-play points in his last six games, including three goals. He leads Utah with nine power-play goals and ranks second with 21 power-play points.

Durzi’s first goal of the season came at a crucial time, quelling any potential Minnesota comeback after Gaudreau’s goal. Utah’s power play also shined, scoring multiple goals with the man advantage in a single period for only the third time this season.

Next up, Minnesota travels to Colorado on Friday night, while Utah will host New Jersey on Saturday.