Play of the Game: Tyler Bertuzzi strikes in first period in Blackhawks 3-2 shootout loss to Canucks

The Chicago Blackhawks returned home looking to win their third straight game under head coach Jeff Blashill on Friday against the Vancouver Canucks. Unfortunately, it would be the Canucks winning in controversial fashion, with a 3-2 victory in the shootout.

On the bright side, Tyler Bertuzzi had stood out in this game. With just 46 seconds left in the first period, the veteran winger scored on the rebound off the shot by Sam Rinzel past Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen, who lost his stick on the play, to make it 2-0 Hawks.

The sequence exemplified the kind of play the Blackhawks were hoping to see more often: speed, offensive pressure, crashing the net, and getting great-eye scoring chances.

That goal seemed to put Chicago firmly in command of this game, but the Canucks scored twice in the second period to tie it at two on goals from Jake DeBrusk and Max Sasson.

Then in the third period, Bertuzzi appeared to have his second goal of the game, jamming the puck in at the side of the net. However, the goal was waived off after officials ruled goaltender interference. Chicago challenged it, but the call stood, leaving fans — and possibly the players — in disbelief.

Narrative Takeaway: The Loss Hurts, but the Progress Continues to Grow

This one stings. Chicago led early, played with pace, and eventually could've won this hockey game had it not been for the waived-off goal.

Despite the 3-2 shootout loss, the Blackhawks put up a resilient effort against a Vancouver Canucks team that entered the game having won 10 straight against Chicago.

The Blackhawks next game is against the Ducks at home at 6:00 p.m. CST. The game will air on CHSN (in-market) and ESPN+ (out-of-market). Fans can listen on WGN Radio 720.