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Blackhawks' Tyler Bertuzzi Ejected for Elbowing Opponent

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 30, 2024 6:15 AM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks suffered their fourth straight loss on Sunday, falling 5–1 to the Dallas Stars in a match overshadowed by Tyler Bertuzzi’s ejection when the game was still tied at one.

The winger was handed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct midway through the second period after an elbowing incident involving Stars forward Colin Blackwell.

The controversial play occurred at 8:11 in the second period as Blackwell skated along the boards with the puck. Bertuzzi approached him from the side and completed a back-hit on the Stars forward, but elevated his body and made late contact with Blackwell’s head as he turned.

The Dallas forward fell to his knees, clutching his face, and Bertuzzi was promptly ejected from the game.

Tyler Bertuzzi was given a five-minute major and game misconduct for this hit on Colin Blackwell. pic.twitter.com/y4BszMOh3g
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

Bertuzzi’s ejection marked a turning point in the game, as the Blackhawks struggled to regain momentum after the Stars capitalized on the penalty.

Jason Robertson scored for Dallas on the ensuing power play, just 12 seconds after the penalty began to give the Stars a 2–1 lead. Dallas would score four more unanswered goals, cruising to a 5–1 victory.

Despite a slow start to the season after joining the Blackhawks as a free agent in July, Bertuzzi had begun finding his form, tallying 18 points in 37 games through Sunday.

There was no word on whether the NHL Department of Player Safety will issue additional discipline after the game, with the Blackhawks having their next game scheduled for Dec. 31 when they host the St. Louis Blues in the NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.

Following Sunday's loss, which included Connor Bedard's 10th goal this season, Chicago sits at the bottom of the Central Division with a 12–23-2 record.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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