Golden Knights Rally Late, Edge Blackhawks in Shootout Thriller
LAS VEGAS - The Vegas Golden Knights needed a spark - and Braeden Bowman delivered.
The 22-year-old rookie forward tied the game late in regulation and helped push Vegas to a 4-3 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena. It was a game that had all the drama you’d expect from two teams trying to find their rhythm - and Bowman’s clutch play was the heartbeat of the comeback.
With just under three minutes left in the third period, Bowman pounced on a rebound off a Shea Theodore shot, stayed with the play after his first attempt was denied, and buried the second chance to even things up at 3-3. It was the kind of gritty, opportunistic goal that’s quickly becoming his calling card. Through just 11 NHL games, Bowman now has nine points (five goals, four assists) - and he's showing no signs of slowing down.
“He’s got a nose for the net,” said Theodore, who had two assists and netted the shootout winner. “Seems like he’s always finding the right spot.
He’s scored some big goals already. Hopefully, it keeps going.”
Bowman also added an assist on the night, while Ivan Barbashev chipped in with a goal and a helper of his own. But perhaps the most welcome sight for Vegas fans? Carter Hart back in net - and back in form.
Making his first appearance since January 20, 2024, Hart turned aside 27 shots in regulation and overtime, then shut the door in the shootout, stopping all three attempts he faced. He looked calm, composed, and confident - exactly what the Golden Knights needed to snap out of their recent OT funk.
Vegas had dropped seven straight games that went beyond regulation. This win not only broke that streak but also marked their second straight victory after a four-game skid - a much-needed momentum shift.
“This was a unique situation. We can all agree with that,” said head coach Bruce Cassidy.
“It was a big celebration the other night when Carl [Lindbom] got his first win. Different thing tonight, but it’s more than just one win.
We’ve been through a lot - seven in a row without an OT win - so this one’s a relief. It’s a double whammy.
Definitely some extra juice in the room tonight.”
For Chicago, it was a tough pill to swallow. The Blackhawks have now lost six of their last seven (1-4-2), despite another strong showing from rookie phenom Connor Bedard and a productive night from Tyler Bertuzzi.
Bedard dazzled once again, scoring a beauty early in the third to give Chicago a 3-2 lead. He danced around Theodore in a one-on-one, cut across the slot, and roofed a snap shot over Hart’s shoulder. It was a flash of the elite skill that has made him must-watch hockey every night.
Bertuzzi added a goal and an assist, including a smart heads-up play in the second period when he intercepted Hart’s clearing attempt and chipped it past the out-of-position goalie to give the Blackhawks a 2-1 lead.
Chicago also got an early response from Oliver Moore, who tied the game just 1:23 into the first period with a blistered wrister from the right circle. The speedster continues to impress with his quick release and ability to find soft spots in the defense.
“He’s so fast,” said teammate Frank Nazar. “It’s fun to play with him.
I had a few chances today - should’ve found him more. He gets behind guys.
He was sneaky good tonight, and that goal was a nice one.”
Vegas had opened the scoring just 27 seconds in, when Barbashev’s attempted pass to Bowman on the rush deflected off Chicago defenseman Wyatt Kaiser’s skate and into the net. It was a fortunate bounce, but it set the tone for a game full of wild swings and momentum shifts.
Ben Hutton tied things up late in the second with a shot from the high slot that deflected off defenseman Matt Grzelcyk and in, setting the stage for the dramatic third period.
In overtime, Hart was at his best, turning away six shots and keeping Vegas alive. Then in the shootout, he slammed the door shut, while Theodore delivered the dagger on the other end.
“I settled in a little bit and just got back to playing my game,” Hart said. “The guys did a really good job battling around the netfront, tying up sticks, and getting some huge blocks. It’s a big two points.”
Notes:
- Mark Stone extended his personal point streak to 10 games with the primary assist on Hutton’s second-period goal.
- Bowman became the fastest player in Golden Knights history to reach five career goals, doing it in just 11 games - one game quicker than Pavel Dorofeyev’s previous mark of 12.
Up Next:
The Golden Knights will look to build on this momentum as they continue their homestand, while the Blackhawks aim to regroup and snap their recent slide. Both teams showed flashes of what they’re capable of - but for Vegas, this night belonged to their rookie spark plug and their returning goaltender.