Blackhawks Battle to the Wire in Vegas, But Fall Just Short in Shootout
In a game that had just about everything-early fireworks, highlight-reel goals, and a shootout finish-the Chicago Blackhawks pushed the Vegas Golden Knights to the limit on Wednesday night at T-Mobile Arena. It was the first of three meetings between the two clubs this season, and if this one’s any indication, fans are in for a wild ride the next time these teams clash.
Vegas, a team built for another deep playoff run, hasn’t quite found its top gear yet this season. Injuries and inconsistency have kept them from dominating the way many expected. But against Chicago, they showed flashes of that championship pedigree-though the Blackhawks didn’t make it easy.
A Frenetic Start, Then a Chess Match
The game opened with a bang-literally. Just 27 seconds in, Ivan Barbashev got Vegas on the board when a puck deflected in off the skate of Chicago defenseman Wyatt Kaiser.
But the Blackhawks didn’t blink. Exactly 56 seconds later, rookie Oliver Moore responded with a quick-strike goal of his own, leveling the score at 1-1 and setting the tone for what would be a back-and-forth battle.
After that early burst, the game settled into more of a tactical grind. The next goal didn’t come until midway through the second period, when Tyler Bertuzzi capitalized on a fortunate bounce and turned it into a gritty, high-effort score that gave Chicago a 2-1 lead.
Vegas answered late in the period. Ben Hutton tied things up at 2-2 with another goal that came off a Blackhawks defenseman-this time Matt Grzelcyk. It was the kind of hockey karma that can swing a game, and it sent the teams into the third period deadlocked.
Bedard’s Brilliance on Full Display
Then came the moment of the night-and maybe one of the best goals of Connor Bedard’s young career. Early in the third, Ryan Greene made a slick defensive play that turned into a stretch pass from Andre Burakovsky to Bedard. That’s when the magic happened.
Facing off against Shea Theodore-an Olympic hopeful and Stanley Cup winner-Bedard didn’t just beat him, he embarrassed him. A dazzling dangle left Theodore frozen, and Bedard roofed a shot with pinpoint accuracy to give Chicago a 3-2 lead. It was a goal that showcased everything that makes Bedard special: elite hands, incredible hockey IQ, and that rare ability to slow the game down in the biggest moments.
But Vegas wasn’t done. Rookie Braeden Bowman found the equalizer later in the third, making it three straight periods where both teams traded one goal apiece.
Overtime Drama and a Shootout Finish
The extra frame was edge-of-your-seat hockey. Both teams had golden chances to end it, but the goaltenders stood tall.
In the shootout, Bedard added another gem to his growing highlight reel, pulling off a skillful move to beat the goalie. Still, it wasn’t enough.
Vegas ultimately claimed the extra point, winning 4-3 in the shootout.
Knight Shines Again Between the Pipes
Spencer Knight continues to solidify his role as Chicago’s backbone in net. He stopped 25 of 28 shots, and while the raw numbers don’t leap off the page, his performance did.
Knight came up big in key moments, making several high-danger saves that kept the Blackhawks in it until the very end. It’s the kind of steady presence that gives this young Chicago team a fighting chance every night.
Encouraging Signs Despite the Loss
Yes, the Blackhawks didn’t get the full two points-but this was far from a moral defeat. Against a loaded Vegas squad, Chicago showed they can skate with the league’s elite.
Bedard was electric. Knight was clutch.
And young forwards like Oliver Moore and Frank Nazar brought serious speed and intensity all night long.
If Moore and Nazar can keep pushing the pace like they did in this one, the Blackhawks are going to be a tough out-just like they were earlier in the season when they were stringing wins together.
What’s Next
The road trip continues as Chicago heads to Southern California for a rematch with the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings took the first meeting 3-1 at United Center, so there’s some unfinished business waiting in L.A.
But if the Blackhawks bring the same energy they brought to Vegas, they’ll be in position to flip the script.