In its NHL debut, the Utah Hockey Club secured a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, with four different players scoring goals on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City.
Utah took control early, with Dylan Guenther and Clayton Keller scoring in the first period, ensuring they never trailed in the game. Guenther ended the night with two goals, including an empty-netter in the last minute. Barrett Hayton contributed with a goal and an assist, while Lawson Crouse added the final goal with just 22 seconds left.
For Chicago, Teuvo Teravainen and Nick Foligno each found the net, helping to close a 3-0 gap. Guenther opened the scoring for Utah just under five minutes into the game with a powerful slap shot. Hayton’s tip-in extended the lead to 3-0 before the Blackhawks began their rally. Foligno brought Chicago back within a goal midway through the third period with a tipped shot.
Goalies Connor Ingram and Petr Mrazek had solid performances, with Ingram making 25 saves for Utah and Mrazek stopping 20 shots for Chicago.
The Blackhawks picked up their offensive intensity in the second period, registering 11 shots on goal, but were unable to convert enough opportunities into scores. Utah also excelled in penalty killing, successfully fending off three Blackhawks power plays.
A crucial moment in the game was Hayton’s second-period goal, which provided Utah a secure lead until Guenther capped the game with his empty-netter.
In terms of statistics, Keller has recorded eight points (four goals, four assists) in season-opening games and is Utah’s only player with a history of a 30-goal season from his time in Arizona.
Next, the Blackhawks will continue their four-game season-opening trip against Winnipeg on Friday, while the Utah Hockey Club will begin a four-game road stretch at the New York Islanders on Thursday.