Utah Hockey Club lost more than the game Friday night at Amerant Bank Arena. In addition to falling 2-1 to the Florida Panthers in overtime, the team went down to five defensemen after Olli Määttä left the matchup with a lower-body injury in the second period and did not return for the rest of the evening.

Sergachev played his first game at Amalie Arena since being traded from the Lightning last offseason and was honored with a video tribute during the first period. He had 48 goals and 209 assists over seven seasons (2017-2024) with Tampa Bay, helping the Lightning win the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021.

A 10-point gap between the Utah Hockey Club and the playoffs probably indicates that it's time to start preparing for next season.

Utah Hockey Club general manager Bill Armstrong said he studied the Tampa Bay Lightning’s model of trading for all of their championship-winning defensemen. Head coach André Tourigny said the Lightning’s excellence for years is a recipe his team needs to look at.

Utah Hockey Club head coach Andre Tourigny stands behind his bench during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh. Utah won 6-1. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

The Utah Hockey Club are battling for their playoff lives in the Western Conference -- but it's not looking good.

It’s great to get the win and be part of that with the guys. They compete so hard here, and it’s just nice to get out there and feel like you’re part of it.’

Shootouts are eliminated during the NHL playoffs. If a game is tied after regulation, another 20-minute, 5-on-5 period ensues with the same sudden-death rule. If no one scores in the first overtime, a second one is played (also 5-on-5 for 20 minutes), and so on.

The Florida Panthers play against the Utah Hockey Club in an NHL game tonight. Fans can watch this game for free online.