Mikhail Sergachev, Alexander Kerfoot boost Utah past Blackhawks

Defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and Alexander Kerfoot scored 31 seconds apart late in the second period, fueling the visiting Utah Hockey Club to a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.

Kerfoot had two assists, Sergachev added one and Kailer Yamamoto, Logan Cooley and defenseman Nick DeSimone also scored a goal to help Utah (33-29-12, 78 points) snap its three-game winless skid (0-2-1).

Defenseman John Marino notched two assists and Karel Vejmelka made 27 saves while appearing in his 17th consecutive game.

Joe Veleno and Ryan Donato each scored a goal and Arvid Soderblom turned aside 26 shots for the skidding Blackhawks (21-44-9, 51 points), who have lost 10 of their last 11 games (1-9-1).

Chicago defenseman Sam Rinzel and forward Oliver Moore made their respective NHL debuts after signing their entry-level contracts on Saturday.

Rinzel, who registered four shots on goal, was selected with the 25th overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft.

Moore, who had two shots on goal, was chosen No. 19 overall in 2023 -- 18 picks behind teammate Connor Bedard.

Sergachev's shot from the point caromed off the skate of Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski and into the net to forge a 2-2 tie with 3:23 remaining in the second period.

Sergachev unleashed another shot from the point that Kerfoot deflected past Soderblom to give Utah a lead that it would not relinquish.

A turnover by Chicago led to Yamamoto cleaning up a rebound and scoring from the right circle with 9:03 left in the third period.

Cooley tallied almost two minutes later to take the wind out of the sails of the Blackhawks.

DeSimone's wrist shot from the point opened the scoring at 8:21 of the second period before the Blackhawks answered with a flourish.

Veleno scored less than three minutes later after finishing an offensive rush with a nifty move in close on Vejmelka.

Donato cleaned up a loose puck following a rush by Bedard with 5:05 left for his team-leading 29th goal and sixth in his last four games.

Utah defenseman Ian Cole played in his 900th career game.

--Field Level Media