SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — There are at least two good things about the month of February for the Blackhawks: That it’s almost over and that they didn’t play for half of it.
Because when they’ve been on the ice, it hasn’t been a good month.
Utah Hockey Club’s Lawson Crouse scored the tiebreaking goal on a backhander with 7:48 left, and Utah rallied to beat the Blackhawks, 2-1, on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City. Chicago has now lost four straight, including one overtime loss.
After going into a 13-day break for the 4 Nations Face-Off with a shootout loss to St. Louis, the Blackhawks have returned with three straight regulation defeats to fall to 1-4-2 in seven February games. They conclude the month Thursday night on the road at 9 p.m. against the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights.
The Blackhawks will carry a 17-34-7 record into that matchup, the second-worst mark in the NHL, three points ahead of only San Jose.
Seth Jones scored Chicago’s lone goal on Tuesday night, and Arvid Soderblom stopped 34 shots.
Clayton Keller scored in the second period and Karel Vejmelka finished with 21 saves to help Utah get its fifth win in seven games, including its third straight at home for the first time. The team, formerly known as the Coyotes, relocated from Arizona prior to this season. Keller has a team-high 33 points in 29 home games.
Jones’ power play goal opened the scoring for Chicago with 6:26 left in the first period. Keller finally got Utah on the board when he tied it with 44 seconds remaining in the second.
Takeaways
Blackhawks: Chicago dominated on the penalty kill, going 5-for-5 against Utah after coming in 10th in the NHL at 80.8%.
Utah: After registering just eight shots on goal in the first, Utah had 28 over the final two periods.
Key moment
Crouse gave Utah its first lead of the game with his backhand shot that proved the eventual game-winner.
Key stat
Chicago fell to 0-6-1 this season when tied after two periods.
Up Next
Blackhawks play at Vegas on Thursday, and Utah hosts Minnesota.