Utah Secures Another Tight 2-1 Win Against Chicago

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Hockey Club continues to build momentum at a crucial time, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the Delta Center on Tuesday night.

With the game tied in the third period, Lawson Crouse delivered the decisive goal with just under eight minutes left, helping Utah claim its fifth win in the last seven games.

“It feels great to contribute in a big moment,” said Crouse, who now has nine goals this season, including two game-winners. “But honestly, it was a full team effort tonight.”

Head coach Andrè Tourigny praised Crouse’s recent play, noting his growing confidence on the ice.

“He’s playing with more belief in himself,” Tourigny said. “You can see he’s not hesitating, he’s reacting quickly and making smart decisions.”

Keller, Crouse Lead Utah’s Comeback

Clayton Keller added his team-leading 21st goal of the season, while Karel Vejmelka stopped 21 shots to help Utah (26-24-9) secure a second consecutive 2-1 victory, following Sunday’s win over Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Chicago (17-34-7) struggled to snap its skid, dropping its fourth straight game and seventh in the last eight.

The Blackhawks struck first on the power play at 13:34 of the opening period, as Seth Jones fired a wrist shot from the top of the circle past Vejmelka to give Chicago a 1-0 lead.

Utah responded late in the second period when Michael Kesselring fired a shot on goal, and Keller capitalized on the rebound, beating Arvid Soderblom to even the score at 1-1 with just 44 seconds remaining in the period.

Crouse provided the game-winner at 12:12 of the third, maneuvering past a defender before lifting a backhand shot over Soderblom’s glove.

“We had to grind this one out,” Keller said after the win. “They made us work for every inch, but we stayed with it and found a way to pull through.”

Utah Closing in on Playoff Spot

With the victory, Utah moves within three points of Calgary for the final Western Conference playoff berth.

The team will look to keep its playoff push alive when it hosts Minnesota on Thursday night at the Delta Center.

Author
Recent Posts

keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.