Chicago at Utah

The Utah Hockey Club will have the emotional edge as it plays its first game after moving from Arizona. It hasn't decided on a nickname yet, but the new ownership already has been upgrading the roster especially defensively after a 36-45-1 finish in 2023-24. Utah acquired blueliners Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino in draft day trades. It has a strong core on offense led by Clayton Keller, who led the team in goals, assists and points. Utah also has a more than capable tandem in net with Connor Ingram and Karel Vejmelka although Ingram will be the starter initially after posting 23-21-3 mark and a 2.91 goals-against average last season. Chicago has nowhere to go but up after finishing with the second-worst record in the NHL. The Blackhawks signed eight free agents after scoring a league-worst 178 goals. Connor Bedard was everything as advertised, but needs a lot more help. Petr Mrazek will start after an 18-31-4 season with a 3.05 goals-against average. Chicago ended the season losing its last six games. Take Utah.