Carter Hart's NHL Return Aids Vegas Win Over Chicago

LAS VEGAS — Goaltender Carter Hart made an emotional return to the NHL on Tuesday night, stopping 27 of 30 shots to help the Vegas Golden Knights defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in a shootout at T-Mobile Arena.

The 27-year-old Hart, who had not played in the league since January 20, 2024, with the Philadelphia Flyers, received a warm welcome from the home crowd. Fans held supportive signs, and cheers drowned out any scattered boos during pregame introductions. Vegas improved to 2-8 in games decided after regulation with the victory, which snapped a seven-game overtime losing streak.

The game began with Vegas jumping ahead just 27 seconds in, as Ivan Barbashev's pass deflected off a Chicago skate and into the net for a 1-0 lead. Chicago responded quickly, with Oliver Moore tying it on a drive from above the right circle on the second shot Hart faced. In the second period, Hart attempted to clear the puck but sent a pass directly to Tyler Bertuzzi, who scored to give the Blackhawks a 2-1 advantage. Ben Hutton evened the score at 2-2 late in the frame with his goal.

Early in the third, Connor Bedard restored Chicago's lead at 3-2 with a precise shot from the right circle. Braeden...