Tyler Bertuzzi’s hat trick in overtime leads Chicago Blackhawks to 3-2 win over Vegas Golden Knights

Tyler Bertuzzi delivered one of his most complete performances of the season on Sunday night, lifting the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-2 overtime win against the Vegas Golden Knights at the United Center. His hat trick not only sealed the victory but also highlighted a growing sense of confidence within a Chicago group, finding ways to win under pressure.The result capped a demanding back-to-back stretch for the Blackhawks and extended their recent momentum, while Vegas continued to search for answers during an uneven midseason run that has raised questions about consistency and execution.Bertuzzi ended the game just 1:18 into overtime, scoring from the side of the crease after Ilya Mikheyev circled the net and drew defenders out of position. The Golden Knights challenged the play for offside, but the goal stood, confirming Bertuzzi’s second hat trick of the season and the fifth of his NHL career.Chicago improved to 17-18-7 and has now won three straight games, an encouraging stretch for a team that had struggled in second games of back-to-backs earlier this season. Arvid Soderblom stopped 13 shots and remained composed during key Vegas pushes, while the Blackhawks showed improved structure and discipline after traveling overnight from Washington.Bertuzzi opened his scoring at 12:38 of the first period, finishing a clean setup from Alex Vlasic with a low wrist shot that beat Akira Schmid. Vegas had struck first through Brandon Saad, who won a net-front battle and converted after sustained pressure in the offensive zone.The Golden Knights briefly regained control early in the second period when Mark Stone capitalized on a loose puck following a Jack Eichel feed. Stone has now scored in four consecutive games, but the goal did little to settle Vegas, which struggled to generate sustained zone time and finished with just 15 shots on goal.Chicago tied the game again midway through the third period as Bertuzzi stayed active around the crease, poking home a pass from Ryan Greene to force overtime. The Blackhawks’ willingness to stay direct and attack the net paid off against a Vegas team that looked hesitant and disconnected at times.Vegas fell to 17-11-12 and is winless in its past five games. Head coach Bruce Cassidy was blunt in his assessment afterward, emphasizing that the Golden Knights need to start playing like a contender again.