The Chicago Blackhawks delivered a thrilling overtime win against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, capping off an electrifying NHL night that saw several dramatic finishes across the league. The 3-2 victory in Chicago was thanks to a spectacular hat trick by Tyler Bertuzzi, marking his second of the season and the fifth in his NHL career. For Blackhawks fans, it was a statement game—one that snapped their winless streak in the second half of back-to-back situations and extended their current winning run to three games.
Coming into the matchup, the Blackhawks knew the odds were stacked against them. Historically, the second game of back-to-backs had not been their strong suit. Head coach Jeff Blashill had emphasized the need to stay competitive and avoid blowout losses, especially as the team celebrated the opening of "The Banner Years"—a chapter in the Blackhawks’ centennial season honoring their three Stanley Cups in six years. The stakes were high, and the crowd at United Center could feel the tension and excitement in the air.
It didn’t take long for the action to heat up. Brandon Saad, a familiar face for Chicago fans and a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Blackhawks, opened the scoring for Vegas. Saad’s goal was a bittersweet reminder of Chicago’s glory days, but the Blackhawks were quick to respond. Less than two minutes later, Tyler Bertuzzi unleashed a wicked wrist shot, notching his 20th goal of the season and tying the contest at 1-1. The energy in the arena shifted, and the Blackhawks seemed to feed off the momentum.
The second period saw Vegas regain the lead just 43 seconds in, courtesy of Mark Stone. Stone, who has been on a tear with his fourth goal in as many games, capitalized on a rebound from a strong Jack Eichel drive to the net. Vegas looked poised to control the game, but Chicago’s defense held firm. Arvid Soderblom, stepping up in goal for the Blackhawks, made key saves throughout the night—thirteen in total on just fifteen shots. While the shot count was low, the quality of Vegas’s chances kept Soderblom on his toes.
Despite Vegas’s early dominance, the Golden Knights struggled to generate offense after Stone’s goal. Chicago’s defense clamped down, limiting Vegas to a mere two shots for the remainder of regulation. The Blackhawks, missing key stars Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, displayed remarkable resilience. According to head coach Jeff Blashill, Bedard is expected to return before the Olympic break, but Nazar’s status remains uncertain. The team’s ability to rally in the absence of two of their brightest young talents speaks volumes about their depth and character.
The third period saw the Blackhawks pressing hard for the equalizer. With just over eight minutes left, Ryan Greene’s relentless effort behind the net paid off. Greene fought through traffic and found Bertuzzi with a cross-crease feed, and Bertuzzi buried his second goal of the night to tie things up at 2-2. The crowd erupted, sensing that something special was unfolding. For the fourth time in six games, Chicago was headed to overtime, and for the second straight night, they’d be tested beyond regulation.
Overtime brought the kind of drama that makes hockey so captivating. Just 1:18 into the extra frame, Ilya Mikheyv delivered a pinpoint pass to Bertuzzi, who redirected it past Vegas goaltender Akira Schmid. The puck barely crossed the line, but it was enough. Hats rained down onto the ice as fans celebrated Bertuzzi’s hat trick. The scene was momentarily surreal, as officials reviewed the play for a potential offside. Both teams remained on the ice, waiting for the verdict amid a blizzard of hats. After a tense few moments, the goal was upheld—and the Blackhawks could finally let loose.
Bertuzzi’s performance wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a rallying point for a team that’s been searching for consistency. "We knew we had to step up, especially with some guys out," Bertuzzi said after the game, his words echoing the team’s collective mindset. The win also extended Vegas’s losing streak to six games, adding another layer of frustration for the defending Stanley Cup champions.
Elsewhere around the NHL, Sunday was a showcase for comeback stories and overtime heroics. In Columbus, Sidney Crosby orchestrated a stunning rally for the Pittsburgh Penguins, assisting on Ricard Rakell’s tying goal with just 13.7 seconds left before netting the game-winner in overtime. The Penguins erased a three-goal deficit to claim a 5-4 victory over the Blue Jackets, marking their fifth straight win. Ville Koivunen, Noel Acciari, and Tommy Novak also found the back of the net for Pittsburgh, while Ben Kindel chipped in with two assists. Arturs Silovs was solid in goal, stopping 25 shots as the Penguins outshot Columbus 34-13 after the first period.
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens edged the Dallas Stars 4-3 in overtime, thanks to a clutch goal from Lane Hutson—his first career OT tally. The Florida Panthers snapped the Colorado Avalanche’s remarkable 10-game winning streak with a 2-1 victory, and the Carolina Hurricanes topped the New Jersey Devils 3-1 behind a goal and an assist from Taylor Hall.
But in Chicago, the night belonged to Bertuzzi and the Blackhawks. The win not only marked their third straight but also showcased their ability to overcome adversity. With Soderblom steady in net and the defense tightening up at crucial moments, Chicago looks poised to build on this momentum. The victory was even sweeter given the context: the start of "The Banner Years" celebrations and the team’s determination to shed their reputation for faltering in back-to-backs.
Looking ahead, the Blackhawks will face the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night in a nationally televised game. With Bedard’s return on the horizon and a newfound confidence, Chicago fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. As the centennial season continues, the Blackhawks are proving they still know how to put on a show—especially when the lights are brightest and the hats are flying.