Mar 30, 2025 , 3:29 PM | Updated: 3:45 pm
EDMONTON, CANADA – DECEMBER 31: Nick Bjugstad #17 of the Utah Hockey Club warms up prior to the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on December 31, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Leila Devlin/Getty Images)
(Photo by Leila Devlin/Getty Images)
CHANDLER HOLT
CHICAGO – In the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks, Nick DeSimone finally broke the seal for the Utah Hockey Club as his long-distance goal resulted in a 1-0 lead at the United Center.
DeSimone beamed the puck toward the net, and Bjugstad was there in the center to distract goaltender Arvid Soderblom.
Tipped in by Bjugy and we’re on the board! 1-0, Club. pic.twitter.com/Kd568Yc6oc
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) March 30, 2025
The first 30 minutes of action was nothing but excellent defense and goaltending from both sides.
There were definitely some threatening attacks, but every time it was shut down by a clear or a stop between the pipes.
For example, Karel Vejmelka saved all of Chicago’s first 18 attempts, whether on the breakaway or following a series of passes.
KAREL VEJMELKA WITH A HUGE SAVE ON A BREAKAWAY.
You’d never know he’d started 17 straight based on how he’s played today.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) March 30, 2025
The switch from all defense to offense was quick, though.
Less than three minutes after Utah’s score, Chicago’s Joseph Veleno lit the lamp to even the score at 1-1.
The Utah Hockey Club ends its three-game road trip in Chicago against the Blackhawks tonight.
Utah comes into the matchup on a three-game losing streak. The skid came at an inopportune time, as the Hockey Club is now all but officially eliminated from postseason contention.
The Blackhawks also come in a losing streak, having dropped two in a row and nine of their last ten. Chicago is one of four Western Conference teams that have been officially eliminated from the playoffs.
This is the fourth and final matchup between Utah and Chicago this season. The Hockey Club won both games at Delta Center and dropped the previous matchup in the Windy City, 4-3, in overtime.
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