Clayton Keller Will be Player to Watch against Utah
The Rangers' regular-season home opener is set for tomorrow evening, with Clayton Keller being the player to watch for Utah's franchise. Let's break down his play style and see how he could impact the Blueshirts on ice.
Regular-season hockey is back at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
In their inaugural season, Utah (2-0) travels to MSG for the first time to take on the New York Rangers (1-0). The game marks the regular-season home opener for the Blueshirts. But despite it being Utah Hockey Club's first season, the team does have plenty of talent.
Both teams are coming off wins in their latest contests.
The Rangers are looking to build off success from a dominant 6-0 win over Pittsburgh, featuring not one but two goals from Chris Kreider. Utah most recently took on the New York Islanders in a close 5-4 OT win.
While New York is going into the game against Utah only having one regular-season game under their belt, this will be Utah's third with the squad defeating the Blackhawks 5-2 on Oct. 8.
Let's dive into who will be the key player to watch out for during Saturday's matchup.
Clayton Keller
Undeniably, forward Clayton Keller is the statistic leader of the franchise and a four-time All-Star.
With his craftiness, excellent puck handling skills and the ability to score from anywhere, Keller is an offensive powerhouse. Whether it’s driving to the net, taking a one-timer from the slot, cleaning up rebounds in the crease, or sniping the goaltender from a distance, Keller is always dangerous.
The Missouri native is also extremely talented as a creator, often finding his teammates in scoring positions, especially when he’s paired with Nick Schmaltz.
So far this season, he has played in both games played with a total ice time of 37:35.
Keller is a 26-year-old right wing from Chesterfield, MO. During his youth, Keller attended Shattuck St. Mary’s, a prestigious prep school that has won 36 USA Hockey National Championships and produced 115 NHL Draft picks.
The right wing has logged one goal — against Chicago — and two assists — against the Islanders.
While with Arizona, Keller led the team in goals (33), assists (43) and points (76) last season. During his last three seasons with the Coyotes, he averaged 32 goals and 42 assists per season.
His play style is most significant in that he's a team-minded player who can find others in crafty ways and help create space for them when he draws multiple defenders with his speed.
Keller is clearly the face of Utah's franchise, and No. 9 is the undeniable player to watch against the Rangers.
How to Tune in
Puck drop for the Rangers hosting Utah is slated for 6 p.m. EST. The game will be streamed via ESPN+ and be sure to tune into our Twitter for live updates.