Blackhawks Fall 4–3 in Shootout to Golden Knights

Chicago had the speed to beat Vegas, but sloppy breakouts and a rough third period kept the Hawks from taking two points on the road.

The Chicago Blackhawks fell 4-3 in the shootout to the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night. Connor Bedard scored another beauty of a goal, Oliver Moore had an excellent game (we’ll forgive him for that poor line change), and Spencer Knight continued to play spectacular hockey in net.

Dec 2, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Ben Hutton (17) skates between Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ilya Mikheyev (95) and center Jason Dickinson (16) during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Blackhawks Breakout Struggles

The Blackhawks were faster than the Golden Knights, and if it wasn’t for poor puck management in the defensive zone, the Hawks could have dominated this game. They were in the positive for 5-on-5 expected goals only for one period (52.01% in the first) and owned puck possession metrics in the first two periods (57.69% Corsi in the first, and 53.85% in the second). A large part of this was due to poor breakouts.

To start the season, the Blackhawks seemed to use the middle of the ice on the breakout. Risky, but considering their youthful jump, the Hawks could catch their opponents on the rush. There were plenty of rush opportunities for the Hawks last night (Oliver Moore’s tying goal 1:27 into the game), but the Hawks relied on wall plays, leading to puck battles, and eventually prolonged time in their zone.

Missed Opportunities

The Golden Knights’ first two goals were redirections off of Blackhawk defenders. Tyler Bertuzzi capitalized on an egregious miscue from Carter Hart, and Connor Bedard scored a beautiful goal to put the Hawks up 3-2. But three things happened that prevented the Blackhawks from securing two points in regulation.

Story continues below.

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Frank Nazar was penalized after the Blackhawks were on the power play following a failed challenge on Bertuzzi’s goal. A power play would have given the Hawks momentum. The Blackhawks had terrible puck management in the third period with a 37.14% Corsi. Finally, poor awareness from Oliver Moore, Tyler Bertuzzi, and especially Louis Crevier gave the Golden Knights their third goal.