The Utah forward will miss significant time due to a lower-body injury, dealing a tough blow to the team’s depth as they push through the season.
Utah Hockey Club will have to push forward without one of their grittiest players, as forward Liam O’Brien is set to miss at least four weeks with a lower-body injury. Head coach André Tourigny confirmed the news, dealing a harsh blow to the team’s depth as they battle for a playoff spot.
O’Brien sustained the injury during the third period of Thursday’s game against Seattle after an awkward hit from Kraken’s Tye Kartye. He tried to stay in the game but managed only one more shift before heading to the locker room. He was absent for the final 10 minutes of play, leaving linemates Michael Carcone and Kevin Stenlund without their usual partner. Rookie Josh Doan filled in on the fourth line for the remainder of the game.
The 29-year-old enforcer, known for his physical presence, signed a three-year, $3 million extension last summer after leading the league with 153 penalty minutes and posting a career-high 14 points last season with the Coyotes. However, O’Brien has struggled to find a consistent role this season, playing in just 27 games due to a mix of healthy scratches and team lineup adjustments. Despite limited ice time, he’s made his presence felt with 50 penalty minutes and 98 hits while averaging just over nine minutes per game.
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With O’Brien out, Utah will turn to veteran Nick Bjugstad, who returns to the lineup after recovering from an upper-body injury sustained on March 1. Bjugstad had been activated off injured reserve last week but was held out as a scratch against Seattle. He will now slot into the fourth line as Utah takes on the Vancouver Canucks in a crucial matchup.
The game has massive playoff implications. Utah trails Vancouver by just four points for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. A regulation win could significantly boost Utah’s postseason chances, while a loss would make their road to the playoffs even steeper.
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