The Utah Hockey Club will face the Minnesota Wild in round one of the 2025 DCHL playoffs. The Wild, who won the Central Division this year, struggled against Utah in the regular season, having lost the season series 3-1. After losing the first game 3-2, Utah managed to outscore their opponent 13-4 in the following three games.
Adam Lowry was the standout forward in the series, collecting three goals and one assist, while Colton Parayko tallied one goal and three assists from the blue line. Jake Oettinger was a perfect 3-0 in net for Utah, finishing with a 0.948 SV% and a 1.33 GAA. Backup Goaltender, David Rittich, was in net for the lone loss to the Wild.
The teams combined for 27 penalties (13 for Minnesota, 14 for Utah), in the four regular season games, so we expect this playoff series to be just as physical. Since the 2016-17 season, these teams have met a total of 30 times in the regular season. Minnesota holds the better record of 17-12-1, while Utah/Arizona have a combined record of 13-16-1. If you consider the history between these two teams, expect this series to go 6-7 games.
The teams last met in the 2024 DCHL Playoffs, in the second round, when the former Arizona Coyotes, were able to take a quick 3-0 lead, eventually clinching the series on the road in six games.
These teams look to build on their playoff rivalry when they open their series on April 21st, 2025. Will Utah be able to knock out the Wild again, or will the Wild return the favour in this opening round series?
Overall Regular Season Record
Utah/Arizona: 13-16-1
GF: 90
GA: 85
Minnesota: 17-12-1
GF: 85
GA: 90
Overall Playoff Record
Utah/Arizona: 4-2-0
GF: 20
GA: 11
Minnesota: 2-4-0
GF: 11
GA: 20