The Utah Hockey Club defeats the Blackhawks in the opening game

Teravainen cut it to 3-1 at 14:27 with a backhand forward after a pass from Bedard on the rush.

Foligno made it 3-2 at 4:48 of the third period by converting a shot from Alex Vlasic.

“They just got there quicker than we did in the first game, and then I honestly thought we took over,” said Foligno, the Blackhawks captain. “The chances we had… they'll take their chances, they're a talented team, but I thought we ran the game for the most part and really deserved to tie the game. So that's the disappointing part.” . It is an area we need to address. We just need to make sure we start off right.”

Guenther made it 4-2 with 42 seconds left, scoring his second goal into an empty net after returning the rebound from Cooley's long-range shot.

Lawson Crouse scored off a deflection at 19:38 to make the final score 5-2.

“Every team wants to get off to a good start,” said Keller. “This is the best league in the world and you can’t take nights off. It’s great to get the win and now let’s turn the page and focus on the next game.”

NOTES: Keller became the first captain to score in a franchise's opening game since Kelly Buchberger did so for the Atlanta Thrashers on October 2, 1999. … Utah became the eighth team in the NHL's expansion era (since 1967–68) to win in its inaugural game. The others were the Oakland Seals, Los Angeles Kings, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Lightning, Ottawa Senators and Vegas Golden Knights.