"One game closer to firing Luke" "Pathetic team": Fans irate as Chicago Blackhawks lose 5-2 to Utah HC in season opener

NHL fans were not too impressed after the Chicago Blackhawks suffered a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club in their season opener on Tuesday at Delta Center.

The game marked a significant milestone for the Utah Hockey Club, which joined the NHL following the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes, as they celebrated their first victory in franchise history.

The Chicago Blackhawks, in a rebuilding phase, view the 2024-25 season as crucial for their development and progress toward future success. However, the team's lackluster performance in the opening matchup has left fans frustrated and concerned about the direction of the franchise.

With expectations high for improvement, the lopsided defeat to Utah has only added to the disappointment among the fan base as they shared their reactions on X/Twitter. One commented:

"Well done, one game closer to firing Luke."

Another chimed in:

"Pathetic team."

Here are some of the other top reactions on X:

"3-4 hit posts tonight. They just got unlucky, and not to forget going against a brand new team during their home opener," one opined.

"Embarrassing! Way to end up in the bad side of a record again! Losing to a trash coyotes inaugural game!! Mrazek sucks as usual and Coach Luke Richardson brings out a flat Hawks team. Hawks are always fighting from behind because the come out of the gates unprepared," another disgruntled fan commented.

"Blackhawks should play the White Sox. Someone has to win," tweeted another.

"This team lost to an expansion team playing their first game. yep, gonna be a long season," another X user commented.

The Chicago Blackhawks were unlucky not to convert their post hits into goals, which could have resulted in a different scoreline. Nevertheless, it was the season opener for both teams.

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How Utah Hockey Club downed Chicago Blackhawks in season opener

Dylan Guenther scored the first goal in Utah franchise history to put them up 1-0 at 4:55 of the first period. Captain Clayton Keller doubled the lead at 13:33 before heading into the second period.

Barrett Hayton made it 3-0 after scoring off a deflection of Mikhail Sergachev's shot at 8:46 of the second period. Teuvo Teravainen cut the deficit to 3-1 at 14:25 of the second period before Nick Foligno made it 3-2 for the Blackhawks at 4:46 of the third period.

Guenther scored his second with 44 seconds remaining in the final period. Lawson Crouse then scored to make it 5-2 with less than 30 seconds remaining.

Guenther netted two goals, while Logan Cooley accumulated two points for Utah. Meanwhile, Connor Bedard contributed two points for the Hawks. The Chicago Blackhawks face the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, while Utah takes on the New York Islanders on Thursday.