The Golden Knights defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in a shootout Tuesday night, marking a successful NHL return for goaltender Carter Hart in his first appearance in nearly two years.
Pavel Dorofeyev and Shea Theodore scored in the shootout to give Vegas the victory. Hart stopped 27 shots, including six in overtime and three of four shootout attempts.
The win was significant for Vegas, which entered the game 1-8 in contests decided after regulation this season.
Braeden Bowman forced overtime when he scored on his own rebound with 2:28 remaining in the third period. Bowman and Ivan Barbashev each recorded a goal and an assist, while Ben Hutton also scored and Theodore added two assists.
For Chicago, Tyler Bertuzzi had a goal and an assist. Connor Bedard and Oliver Moore also found the net, with Spencer Knight making 25 saves in the losing effort.
Hart’s return marked his first NHL game since playing for Philadelphia nearly two years ago. He and four other members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team were acquitted of sexual assault charges in July.
The NHL cleared the way for teams to sign any of the five players following the verdict.
Vegas signed Hart to a two-year, $4 million contract on Oct. 24.
Hart received a supportive reception from the home crowd but faced early challenges. He allowed a goal on just the second shot he faced when Moore scored from above the right circle.
In the second period, Hart left his crease to clear the puck but instead sent a pass directly to Bertuzzi, who capitalized for Chicago’s second goal.
Bedard extended Chicago’s lead to 3-2 early in the third period with a shot from the right circle.
Hart played his best hockey in overtime, making several key saves to keep Vegas alive. In the shootout, he stopped three of four attempts to secure the victory.
The celebration was emotional, with Hart and his teammates sharing smiles in the postgame hug line. Jack Eichel gave Hart an extended embrace following the win.
What’s Next
The Blackhawks visit the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.
Vegas opens a five-game trip against Eastern Conference teams Friday when they face the New Jersey Devils.
