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NHL forced to release statement after overtime controversy in Blackhawks vs. Golden Knights on Sunday


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Sam Walker
January 5, 2026  (12:15)
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The NHL has been forced to release a statement to the media following a controversial ending to Sunday's overtime game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Vegas Golden Knights.

Sunday at the United Center, Tyler Bertuzzi ended it 3-2 at 1:18 of overtime, finishing his hat trick from the edge of the crease after Ilya Mikheyev fed him in front of the net.
The celebration didn't land clean, because Vegas immediately pushed the offside angle, and the NHL had to put out a Situation Room statement explaining why the goal counted.
The league leaned on the black-and-white language of Rule 38.1, saying a call only flips with «conclusive and irrefutable» video, and the review found no conclusive evidence Bertuzzi preceded the puck.
The NHL's official statement reads as follows:
"Explanation: The play on the ice was challenged under Rule 38 - Coach's Challenge. Rule 38.1 states, «In all Coach's Challenge situations, the original call on the ice will be overturned if, and only if, a conclusive and irrefutable determination can be made on the basis of video evidence that the original call on the ice was clearly not correct. If a review is not conclusive and/or there is any doubt whatsoever as to whether the call on the ice was correct, the original call on the ice will be confirmed.»

Video review determined that there was no conclusive evidence that Chicago's Tyler Bertuzzi preceded the puck into the attacking zone prior to his goal. Therefore, the original call on the ice was confirmed."

Offside review defines Chicago Blackhawks overtime

What made it louder is the process itself, because in the final minute of regulation and at any point in overtime, the NHL Situation Room can initiate the same kind of review a coach would request.
On the ice, the story was pretty simple: the Vegas Golden Knights led twice on goals by ex-Blackhawk Brandon Saad and Mark Stone, and Bertuzzi dragged Chicago back both times before ending it himself.
Chicago's run of annoying the league's better teams keeps rolling even without Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, both on injured reserve with upper-body injuries, Bedard retroactive to Dec. 12 and Nazar retroactive to Dec. 20.
NEW: It's just been confirmed for Connor Bedard and we now know his current injury status
Bertuzzi is 30, and that old-school net-front style still matters in three-on-three; he wins body position, arrives early, and makes reviews feel personal.
Bertuzzi has been involved in multiple trade rumors throughout the past week, and Blackhawks fans may be witnessing his few final games with the team.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
Ex-Blackhawk Patrick Kane experiences true heartbreak late in his NHL career
Blackhawks and Red Wings emerge as trade partners for a 780-game veteran
NHL player safety makes official decision on Alex Ovechkin's actions vs. Blackhawks Saturday
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NHL forced to release statement after overtime controversy in Blackhawks vs. Golden Knights on Sunday

Did the offside review get it right on Tyler Bertuzzi's overtime winner?

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