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.

Utah Hockey Club Ends Road Trip Against Chicago Blackhawks

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.

Utah Hockey Club Gameday Reading

• Utah Hockey Club Loses In OT To Panthers Despite Commendable Effort
• Lightning Strike Eight Times In Dominant Win Over Utah Hockey Club
• NHL Traditions: Why Was An Octopus Thrown At Delta Center?
• Utah Hockey Club On Thin Ice Following Loss To Detroit Red Wings
• NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Confirms Outdoor Game In Utah Hockey Club’s Future
• Lawson Crouse Believes Utah Hockey Club Fans Are ‘Deserving’ Of Future Outdoor Game
• Utah Hockey Club Secures Greasy Win Following Guenther’s Game-Winner
• SEG Offers Utah Hockey Club Plus For One Dollar For Remaining Games

Follow Utah HC With KSL Sports

Utah Hockey Club games can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on the KSL Sports app or 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule. 

Find KSLSports.com coverage of the Utah Hockey Club here.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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