The Chicago Blackhawks and Utah Mammoth enter Monday’s game with a combined five one-goal games in as many games this season.
Because Utah owns the only win in that span, Mammoth forward Dylan Guenther’s words might feel like a balm to Chicago.
“I think as you get more comfortable in close games and being in those situations all the time, you get better,” Guenther said. “Those are the ones you want to play in when the game is close. The game is on the line. Every shift counts, and that’s when we want to be at our best.”
Visiting Utah beat Nashville 3-2 in overtime Saturday thanks to a goal and assist from Guenther, who scored the game-winner 2:56 into overtime.
Chicago came within 15.7 seconds of playing its second straight game in overtime earlier in the day, but gave up a late goal to fall 3-2 to Montreal in the Blackhawks’ home opener.
The Blackhawks and their opponents are tied at 2 after two periods in each of the club’s three games. Chicago generated 12 of its 22 shots against the Canadiens in the third period, but couldn’t take advantage of the late surge.
Captain Nick Foligno senses the locker room is eager to make adjustments.
“That’s the beautiful thing about our team is we understand that every day we have an opportunity to get better,” Foligno said. “The mindset is knowing we have to find a way to do this now and make sure our fans feel good about our game.
“We did a lot of good things (Saturday), but we didn’t get the job done. It’s that mentality, that little nagging attitude that we have to come back with.”
Better late than never, as Mammoth’s new name can attest. After missing the playoffs by eight points in 2024-25 — its inaugural season while skating as the Utah Hockey Club — Utah hopes Saturday’s victory will generate both short- and long-term momentum.
“I think if you look at last year, we had a ton of overtime games that went poorly for us,” Utah’s Jack McBain said. “When you’re sitting there at the end of the year and you’re in a playoff race, those are the ones you’re kind of looking at if you could find a way to get them. Huge win for us.”
Chicago collected 39 penalty minutes, which led to 10 Montreal power plays. Two goals against Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight came with the Canadiens on the power play.
Jason Dickinson (upper body injury) missed the game for Chicago and is day-to-day. Other forwards have contributed in his absence, including Frank Nazar, whose two assists on Saturday gave him five points in three games.
“I’ve improved a lot,” Nazar, 21, said. “I feel good with the puck and defensively. I have to sniff the blood and know when it’s time to attack.”
Utah went 3-1 against Chicago last season, with two games decided by one goal.
–Field level media
