Guenther scored the first goal in franchise history on a one-timer from just behind the right circle at 4:56 of the first period to give Utah a 1-0 lead.

“It’s pretty cool,” Guenther said to the NHL of scoring the first goal. “It’s always nice to start off well, and for us to continue to build and try to make the playoffs, every game is important.”

Keller extended it to 2-0 at 13:35, scoring on a rebound off a shot from Schmaltz.

Hayton pushed it to 3-0 at 8:46 of the second period off a deflection of Mikhail Sergachev’s shot. The assist was Sergachev’s first point with Utah since being acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 29.

Teravainen cut it to 3-1 at 14:27 on a backhand in front off a centering pass from Bedard on the rush.

Foligno made it 3-2 at 4:48 of the third period, tipping in a shot from Alex Vlasic.

Guenther extended it to 4-2 with 42 seconds remaining, scoring his second of the game into an empty net after recovering the rebound of Cooley’s long shot.

Lawson Crouse scored on a redirection at 19:38 for the 5-2 final.

“Every team wants to get off to a good start,” Keller said to NHL. “This is the best league in the world and you can’t take nights off. So, it’s great to get the win and now we turn the page and focus on the next game.”

Keller became the first captain to score in a franchise’s inaugural game since 1999. … Utah became the eighth team in the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967-68) to win in its inaugural game. 

Outside the Delta Center, food trucks, closed off roads, pedestrian-only streets, and a free concert by chart-topping country singer Shaboozey created a celebratory atmosphere in Downtown Salt Lake City.

The street in front of the Delta Center was closed to cars to accommodate the concert stage and food truck festival.
The street in front of the Delta Center was closed to cars to accommodate the concert stage and food truck festival. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke