Chicago Blackhawks’ Nick Foligno said that his team had suffered a loss after the ballgame season against Utah Hockey Club. They however lost 5 – 2 to Utah in their season-opening fixture and the Jazz marked this victory as their first ever in the capacity-filled Delta Center.
Although watching the Blackhawks’ game, Nick Foligno remembered that the team could not respond to Utah’s intensity in the first period. He stated that he had no concern about this defeat and that the reason was that the team played its best.
“I’m not concerned. I think we turned a corner already on that. I see a way different team this game. … If we start burying those chances and play like we did the second and third, I think we’re going to like where we’re sitting.”
Foligno stressed that if the team can start capitalizing on their scoring opportunities while sustaining their current level of performance, they will be well-positioned as the season progresses (source: Chicago Sun-Times).
As seen in the previous match, Utah Hockey Club grabbed the advantage of the first stage when first-period goals from Dylan Guenther and Clayton Keller put them 2-0 up at the end of the second period. Barrett Hayton even made things worse by extending the lead of the home team to 3-0 gathered at the time of 08:46.
However, the Blackhawks responded with Connor Bedard all the way to Teuvo Teravainen and Nick Foligno rattling the score to 3-2. To the fore however, the Hawks concussed themselves. They wasted on several opportunities including a shot by Tyler Bertuzzi that was off the post in the dying embers of the game. Certainly a missed opportunity, this one could have levelled the score with less than a minute to go on the clock.
Utah HC coach praises team’s maturity and leadership shown against Blackhawks
What I did like is the maturity we showed during the game,” Utah coach Andre Tourigny said. “Our leaders did a great job to make sure we stay level as much as possible. … There were nerves and stuff like that, but I really liked the message on the bench.”
Tourigny’s comments indicate that he has faith in the players to handle pressure and deliver in tough times. He will rely on that similar leadership and calmness when they meet the New York Islanders on Thursday.
