Tyler Bertuzzi recorded his second hat-trick of the season. The Chicago Blackhawks are undefeated in the new year.

First Period:

Sunday’s contest opened with the Chicago Blackhawks immediately under pressure, as a flurry of Vegas Golden Knights shots forced goaltender Arvid Soderblom into several early saves. The Golden Knights continued to apply pressure throughout the first period, with Mark Stone nearly finding the net on a breakaway that broke down the Blackhawks’ defense.

Former Blackhawk and playoff hero Brandon Saad opened the scoring for Vegas, but Tyler Bertuzzi responded quickly, putting Chicago on the board. Colton Sissons nearly regained the lead for the Golden Knights, but strong goaltending kept the puck out of the net. The teams headed into the first intermission deadlocked.

Second Period: 

The second period began with the Chicago Blackhawks facing an uphill climb. After Jason Dickinson blocked a cross-ice pass in front, Mark Stone capitalized on a slot chance to give the Vegas Golden Knights the lead. Chicago’s Ilya Mikheyev briefly exited the game after taking a Dickinson shot off the midsection. Colton Sissons was denied again by Arvid Soderblom, who had Scissons’ number all night.

Following a penalty to Jeremy Lauzon, the Chicago power play generated several prime opportunities but failed to break through. Soderblom continued to impress, making a crucial stop on a delayed penalty to keep the Blackhawks within striking distance. As the period wound down, Chicago’s final push was turned away by Vegas netminder Akira Schmid. The Blackhawks entered the second intermission facing a one-goal deficit.

Story continues below.

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Third Period/Overtime

The first half of the third period featured little action as both teams spent most of their time battling in the neutral zone. As the period progressed, Chicago began to apply increased pressure and came within inches of tying the game. Schmid made several key stops, but Tyler Bertuzzi ultimately broke through to knot the game.

Soderblom stood tall at the other end, helping force overtime. In the extra session, a prolonged Blackhawks possession led to Ilya Mikheyev finding Bertuzzi, who completed the hat trick to secure a 3-2 Blackhawks victory over the Golden Knights in overtime.

The Cowboy Round-Up and What’s OnTap:

2025 had the Cardiac Bears. 2026 brings us the Cardiac Hawks. Another one-goal game that found itself lending free hockey to the Blackhawks faithful. The Chicago Blackhawks are undefeated in the year 2026, with good news accompanying the win streak. Connor Bedard’s return is coming over the horizon. And with a long break until the next contest for Chicago, Bedsy might be making his return to the NHL ice. 

On Tap for the Blackhawks is a rivalry game against Doug Armstrong and the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday. It’ll be a late one, puck drop at 8:30 p.m. Central time.Â