Utah hosts MSU and ASU

Now that the Utes have a couple of weekends under their belts, the schedule kicks up a notch this weekend as Utah plays host to Montana State and Arizona State.

The Utes open up the weekend Friday against a team that has had the Utes number over the last couple of years. SInce 2009, the Utes are only 2-3 against the Hellcats, but won their last meeting a year ago by a score of 9-1. So far this year MSU is 0-2 with a pair of losses to Montana Tech last weekend. The only comparison I can make for MSU right now is that Montana Tech rolled over BYU and lost to Weber so far this year. The games against Montana State were close with the Orediggers winning 6-4 and 3-2 in a shootout.

So by logic if the team that beat the team you’re playing lost to a team you already beat, then the team you’re playing against shouldn’t be a problem, right? If your head hurts after reading that you’re not alone, it made more sense as i wrote it.

Basically, what I’m saying is that Friday’s game shouldn’t be a problem for the Utes. The Hellcats have scored 6 goals in two games and are still starting their season, so the battle-tested Utes should have a leg up especially in front of the home crowd. The Utes should win handily and get ready for their big test on Saturday.

Prediction: Utah 7, MSU 3

Before I break down Saturdays game against ASU, I would like to remind everyone about Friday’s Breast Cancer Awareness Night at the Utah Ice Sheet. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Utes will don pink jerseys and there will be bunch of other stuff going on all night.This is a very important cause against something that has affected everyone in some way, shape, or form. This is a tremendous opportunity for the Utah Hockey family and fans to make a difference and give back to the community in a big way. I hope all of you can make it Friday and support this cause and as always don’t forget to wear pink!

After Friday’s game the Utes take on Arizona State at the Utah Ice Sheet. Before the season started it could be argued that this game is the biggest home game for the Utes this entire season. While that still is the case a month into the season, the matchup has lost a little luster as the Sun Devils are off to a mediocre start.

The reigning number 1 seed in the West Division is 2-2 on the year with convincing wins against Texas A&M and two shootout losses to Northern Arizona. Word around the street is that ASU is not the beast in the West it used to be. Add the fact that Utah is 1-1 all-time against ASU and this could be a big statement game for the Utes with a win.

Another fact that plays into the Utes’ hand is that the Utes will get the Sun Devils on their third game of the weekend. ASU will play Utah State in Logan both Thursday and Friday. Factor in the altitude to the mix and this weekend will be a tall order for the team from Tempe. That being said though, the Utes have played a team at home on their third game of the weekend before this year, and unfortunately that led to a 4-3 loss to Weber State.

ASU has a well-balanced offense with most of team racking up points so far this year. There are no real scoring leaders due to that fact as everyone has pitched in to score goals. Goaltending has been split up as well with three different goalies getting action this year. Last year’s West Region MVP Kyle Dietrich is gone, but all three tenders have GAA’s of 2.00 or under along with save percentages well above .90%. Utah struggled to score goals against SJSU last weekend and if that happens again this weekend Utah could be in for a rough end to the weekend.

Bottom line, this is one of Utah’s toughest tests for the season. It may be early but this can make or break the Utes in regard to where they stack up against the region’s elite teams. Expect another low scoring game but one with a lot of action. The Utes will have to find the net and often to win this game. If the U can do that, expect the upset.

Prediction: Utah 4, ASU 3

Utah Notes

With last weekend’s victories over Cal, the Utes are tied for first in the PAC-8 with a 2-0 conference record. Utah won their first two conference games last year on their way to a 2nd place finish in the conference.

Utah forward Ben Seastrand recorded his third collegiate hat trick on Thursday against Cal. The other two happened last year on Jan 7th against Weber State and January 20th against Washington State. After the weekend, he’s tied with Chase McDonald and Luke Burgstahler for the team lead in points.

Utah goaltender Oliver Freij saw his first action this weekend. He is now 2-0 with 4.00 GAA and a save percentage of 0.85. He stopped 46 of 54 shots in two games against Cal.