Utah Mammoth News

For the seventh time in the last eight games, Utah HC will roll with Vejmelka between the pipes. Vejmelka has been thrust into a starting role due to the injury of Connor Ingram (upper body) and has not disappointed. The 28-year-old Vejmelka boasts a terrific 2.25 GAA and .922 SV% in 11 games this season (3-6-0). He has allowed three or fewer goals in eight straight appearances (3-4-0), posting a superb .933 SV%. Utah HC enters Friday's contest as +139 home underdogs against an Edmonton Oilers club coming off an impressive 6-2 win over the New York Rangers.

With Connor Ingram (upper body) sidelined, Vejmelka has been thrust into the spotlight for Utah HC and has been admirable between the pipes lately. The Czech netminder boasts a stellar 2.30 GAA and .926 SV% in 10 appearances (2-6-0). In his previous three outings (1-2-0), Vejmelka has a .947 SV%, arguably showcasing the most consistent goaltending of his four-year NHL career. Utah HC enters Tuesday's contest as -125 road favorites against a Montreal Canadiens club that ranks in the bottom half of the league offensively.

Adam Boqvist will be a healthy scratch on Monday, allowing Schmidt to re-enter the lineup. The 33-year-old Schmidt is averaging a career-low 14:27 time-on-ice but already has seven points (3G / 4A) in 19 games this season, half of his 14-point output (2G / 12A) in 63 games with the Winnipeg Jets last season.

Schmidt will come out of the lineup for just the second time this season. Adam Boqvist will replace him on the third pair and likely the second power-play unit.

Valimaki was a surprise scratch on Thursday, with his absence not being announced prior to warmups. Robert Bortuzzo will enter the lineup in his place.

With Connor Ingram (upper body) day-to-day, Utah HC will turn to Vejmelka between the pipes for the third time in four games. The 28-year-old Vejmelka has been solid in limited action this season, posting a 2.58 GAA and .915 SV% in seven appearances (1-4-0). He has a .931 SV% in his previous four outings (1-2-0). Utah HC enters the action on Thursday as +135 road underdogs against a Boston Bruins club riding a three-game losing skid.

Vanecek is not ready to return to the lineup but appears to be making progress. Mackenzie Blackwood started on Monday and will again on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars with Yaroslav Askarov as the backup.

Connor Ingram is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, resulting in Utah HC recalled Stauber from the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL). Stauber has a 2.29 GAA and .930 SV% in seven games with Tucson (5-2-0) and will likely serve as the backup to Karel Vejmelka during Ingram's absence.

DeSimone played 11 games with the Devils last season, scoring two points (1G / 1A), but has primarily been an AHL players, playing only 38 career NHL games since his professional debut in the 2016-17 season. In nine games with the Utica Comets (AHL) this season, the 29-year-old DeSimone has two points (0G / 2A) and a -10 plus/minus.

Vanecek is battling an upper-body injury and will not suit up Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. Mackenzie Blackwood will likely get the start, backed up by Yaroslav Askarov, who was recalled from the San Jose Barracuda (AHL).

Vejmelka was predominantly the backup to Connor Ingram for the first portion of the season but will start for the third time in five games. Vejmelka was outstanding in his previous outing, earning a second consecutive start, saving 49 of 50 shots (.980 SV%) in a 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The Czech netminder improved to a 2.37 GAA and .926 SV% in five games (1-3-0) this season. Utah HC enters Friday's contest as +106 home underdogs against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Vejmelka was predominantly the backup to Connor Ingram for the first portion of the season but will likely start for the third time in five games. Vejmelka was outstanding in his previous outing, earning a second consecutive start, saving 49 of 50 shots (.980 SV%) in a 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The Czech netminder improved to a 2.37 GAA and .926 SV% in five games (1-3-0) this season. Utah HC enters Friday's contest as +106 home underdogs against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Utah Hockey Club, losers of three of their last four, will turn to Vejmelka between the pipes for the second time in four games. The 28-year-old Vejmelka has been used sparingly this season, taking a backseat to Connor Ingram, but has been serviceable in limited action, posting a 2.75 GAA and .899 SV% in three appearances (0-3-0). That said, Vejmelka and Utah HC will be challenged on Wednesday in a battle against the Carolina Hurricanes, 9-1-0 in their last 10.