The Utah Hockey Club continued their strong play on their final road trip of the season in Nashville on Monday as they beat the Nashville Predators 7-3. Matt Villalta’s first NHL win was obviously the main headline, but there was quite a bit of good that came out of Utah’s first-ever win over the Predators as they head towards their final game of the season. Here are some takeaways from Monday’s game.
Matt Villalta Gets His First Utah Start
As soon as Utah was officially eliminated from playoff contention last week, the question of whether Karel Vejmelka was going to get a rest started coming up. Vejmelka, before Monday’s game, had started the past 23 games. It was pretty obvious that head coach André Tourigny wanted the best chance of winning every game they could to try to sneak into the playoffs. After Utah’s win against the Dallas Stars on Sunday, it seemed like Villalta would get his first taste of NHL action this season in the team’s upcoming back-to-back.
That feeling would become true as Villalta was the first one off the ice during practice on Monday. Exiting the locker room, it was pretty obvious he was excited to make his first start for Utah. In his 41 games with the Tucson Roadrunners, he posted a 17-21-3 record but recorded a .906 save percentage.
Villalta made some good saves on the Predators early on. While he surrendered a couple of goals later on, he made some key saves. It was impressive considering he hadn’t played in any games since March 28. It was also Villalta’s first NHL appearance since Feb. 19, 2024, against the Edmonton Oilers.
His previous game against the Oilers wasn’t a good one for him, but in retrospect, it was an unfair opportunity going into it. The Oilers had been red hot and eventually ended up going to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Utah was playing a tough schedule. Tourigny knows as well that it wasn’t a fair opportunity for Villalta, so he was happy he could give him another chance in the NHL.
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“I think he felt bigger in the net,” Tourigny said. “(I’ve) always liked his read and his quickness. I think the last time it was a little bit unfair. We didn’t play a really good game, we played against a really good opponent, and it was not really fair for him…I’m happy for him. He had another opportunity, and he made good on it.”
Villalta says that his time in the American Hockey League (AHL) since then has really prepared him for this moment and has given him the mindset of playing his best all the time. The Roadrunners have played some pretty important games since Feb. 2024. That includes playoff games and games this season that have meant a lot to a potential playoff berth. Villalta has played in most of them.
“Every game was a playoff game there,” Villalta said. “You got to bring your A game every game. The goal is to make the playoffs. That got me in the mindset of let’s get on the saddle and let’s go. It set me up well for coming up here.”
Utah’s 7-3 win was Villalta’s first of his career. He’s another former Roadrunner who has made his way up from the AHL to the NHL in the past couple of seasons. He joins players like Michael Kesselring, Josh Doan, Dylan Guenther, and Barrett Hayton, who have all been developed by the Roadrunners and have completed the journey of making it all the way to the NHL. Tourigny loves seeing players who have worked hard in the minors, especially for as long as Villalta has, get a win in the NHL.
“There are a lot of those guys who have been there,” Touring said. “They all play their first game at some point. When you see a guy like Matt, winning in the jungle and fighting through adversity, and finally, has a chance to get a win like that. It’s always great for the group. He’s a great guy. He’s fun to be around. He has a lot of energy. It’s good for him.”
It does bring up the question of why Utah hasn’t brought up more players from the Roadrunners this season, especially after signing Cameron Hebig before the trade deadline. Egor Sokolov and Artem Duda have also played really well in the AHL. It’s not unheard of for management to do that. They did it last season in Arizona with Doan and Aku Räty. We’ll probably never get the answer to that question, but it’s a question that is notable.
At the end of the day, it’s great for everyone to see Villalta get his first win. The Roadrunners made sure to post about it as they fight for their playoff lives down south. Utah also now has a new record holder as Villalta is the first goaltender in franchise history to record his first NHL win with the team.
Finally, Villalta plans to give his game puck to his grandmother, who has most of the pucks from his shutouts during his time in juniors and with the Roadrunners. For Villalta, it’s a dream come true. Not only does he get his first NHL win, but he also gets redemption for his last NHL appearance. He couldn’t be happier.
“It’s a dream come true,” Villalta said. “It’s something you dream of when you’re a kid, getting your first game, and then eventually winning. Hopefully it’s the first of many, but it’s a special group…It was awesome to be out there and grinding with them and ultimately getting to win. It was unreal.”
Career Highs All Around the Board
It was a game full of breaking personal records for Utah. Both Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz had standout games that helped them pass their career highs in points.
Keller’s night started when he helped set up Logan Cooley for a wrist shot that became a goal. He scored his second point by assisting on Schmaltz’s power-play goal. Some nice passing by the first unit got Schmaltz the puck in front of the net, which he was able to put in. That goal was the eventual game winner and the one that gave Keller his 87th point of the season, a new career high for him.
It was also the goal that gave Schmaltz his 62nd point of the season, which was a new career high for him, too. On top of all of that, it was his 20th goal of the season. Considering that Schmaltz didn’t score a goal until the end of November, it’s pretty impressive what he’s done since then. Keller has played with him since he was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Arizona Coyotes. He had nothing but good things to say about his friend.
“He’s such an underrated player,” Keller said. “He’s so smart, got such a good stick. We’ve played together for a long time. He’s a huge part of our team. There aren’t a lot of guys like him in this league. In my opinion, he’s a great player and a great guy in the room. He loves being at the rink, being around the teammates, and guys tend to follow him. He’s a great player. It’s great to see him do that, and hopefully many more to come.”
Keller’s night wasn’t done after the Schmaltz goal. He scored off a shot that Ryan Ufko (who was playing in his first NHL game) put into his own net. Finally, Keller ended his night with an empty-net goal. In total, it was a four-point night for Utah’s captain.
Tourigny has always spoken about the incredible competitiveness that Keller has. He has continued to get better year after year, and now he’s only one point away from reaching 90 points, which is something he has yet to do in his career. When you see how great of a player Keller is on and off the ice, you see the reason why he was named captain.
“I always talk about Kelsey’s competitive level and his desire to improve,” Tourigny said. “As much as he’s happy, he always wants more. He knows how hard it is to get to that point. So credit to him. It’s a great season, and his first as captain. You know, people were wondering how he would wear the captaincy. Got your answer.”
It was also Keller’s 600th NHL game, and his first point of the night was NHL point 500. It seems like just yesterday Keller was nominated for the Calder Trophy back in 2018. He still feels that way, too.
“600, time flies,” Keller said. “I said it the other day, I still feel young. I feel like I just got out of college. I still have that hunger and excitement to come to the rink every day. Getting better, being around my teammates, I’m just super thankful. So many people sacrificed to help me get to where I’m at today. I want to say thanks to them, and also to my teammates as well.”
Guys who have come up from the AHL or other minor and junior leagues get to learn a lot from Keller. His competitiveness and intensity help the younger players make themselves better. Keller is someone who will always be there for his teammates. Whether it’s keeping them accountable or telling them how good of a job they did after a game, he’s someone who leads by example and cares.
“His demeanor when he comes to the rink every day, it’s an elite level,” Villalta said. “It’s great for the younger core, the middle ground guys, and everyone just to see it. He sets the tone every day. Brings the intensity. He sets the bar. We’re right there falling behind him, and that’s what you want out of your captain. He’ll hold you accountable. He’ll give you a pat on the back, too, when things are going well. He’s been a top-notch leader, and Utah is very lucky to have him.”
It’s only fitting that Keller’s impressive 2024-25 season ends in his hometown of St. Louis. If you look at Keller’s track record against the St. Louis Blues, it’s a pretty safe bet he’ll hit 90 points on Tuesday.
One More Game Left
Game 81 will go down in history for the reason mentioned above, but also because it marks the first time Utah has beaten the Predators this season. It took long enough. The Predators, after all, have been one of the worst teams in the NHL. However, just like against the Dallas Stars on Saturday, Utah was able to avoid the season sweep and get a win against their Central Division opponents.
There were a lot of distractions for Utah. There are the obvious chants that you get when you play in Nashville from the fans. Then there was a weird issue with the ice that caused 3:44 of the second period to be played during the third period. However, Utah was able to keep it together and get Villalta his first NHL win.
“The ice was very bad tonight, but we just stuck with it,” Keller said. “Matty was awesome in that for us. He’s a great teammate, great guy, so it’s great to see him get that win. He made some big saves, kept us in the game, and it’s good to cap it off with a W.”
Both teams have been sent to the locker rooms with 3:44 remaining due to ice repairs. They started second intermission and will come back and finish the second period after intermission.
— Chase Beardsley (@ChaseBeardsley_) April 15, 2025
I’ve never seen this.#UtahHC #Smashville pic.twitter.com/5PjwSjmxbH
It was a massive win to keep Utah undefeated during their final road trip of the season. While the team isn’t playing for the playoffs as they were officially eliminated last week, winning out will help end the 2024-25 season on a positive note, which is something that obviously didn’t happen last season in Arizona.
With Game 81 in the books, Game 82 is now only a couple of hours away. It will be the final game in a memorable and impressive inaugural season for Utah. The first season for the team ends in St. Louis as the team takes on the Blues. After winning 12 games in a row, the Blues have struggled as of late, losing their last three games, including most recently to the Seattle Kraken by a score of 4-3 in a shootout.
This has put their playoff spot in jeopardy. If the Blues lose against Utah, they stand pat with 94 points. That puts the Calgary Flames in the driver’s seat with two games left. With 92 points this season, if the Flames win their final two games, they’ll pass the Blues and take the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Blues will need to win against Utah on Tuesday in order to keep their playoff spot. However, Utah won’t let that happen easily. Especially Keller, who will be playing in front of his family. While the city of St. Louis holds a special spot in his heart, he’s looking to help end Utah’s season with one final win.
“Every game in St Louis, to me, is special,” Keller said. “I talk about it every time I go back there, but just lots of memories. I can remember myself when I was five, six years old, sitting on my grandpa’s or my dad’s lap, watching those games. I was dialed into it. I wanted to go to every single game, watch my favorite players, and study the game. It’s always cool to play at home. Lots of family and friends there to support me. Those are the people that got me to where I’m at today.”
A lot is at stake for the Blues on Tuesday, but for Utah, all there’s left to do is play it like there’s no tomorrow. There are no consequences. Just the motivation to win it for Keller and for the fans back in Salt Lake City.
The Blues are 43-30-8 this season. The last time these two teams met was back in February, when the Blues beat Utah 2-1.
