REVIEW: Blackhawks come up short in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY– The Blackhawks lost their season opener 5-2 to the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday night at the Delta Center as Utah played its first game in NHL history.

This game was not only historic for Utah, but also marked a milestone for Chicago, where he became a rookie defenseman Nolan Allan made his NHL debut, originally drafted by the Blackhawks in the first round (32nd overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft.

The Blackhawks got off to a slow start as Utah took the lead five minutes after the first goal in Utah Hockey Club history by Dylan Guenther and scored another goal less than ten minutes later. Chicago was unable to respond and was outrebounded in the first frame.

The Blackhawks were strong in the second period, scoring six shots in the first five minutes. Despite the pressure, Utah extended its lead to 3-0 at halftime. Teuvo Teravainen brought Chicago up the court with a backhand goal off a feed from Connor Bedardand the Blackhawks defeated Utah 11-7 in the second half.

Chicago entered the third period with a multi-goal deficit, but played a competitive period in the final game. Five minutes later, Nick Foligno scored his first goal as captain with a point shot from the blue line Alex Vlasiccutting Utah's lead to 3-2. Chicago continued to push for an equalizer, creating several good chances and maintaining the pressure throughout. But Utah sealed the game with two goals in the final minute and put the fight out of reach for the Blackhawks. The final shots on goal slightly favored Chicago, 27-26.