The Blackhawks began the new year playing the San Jose Sharks. Things were looking good with the Blackhawks up 2-1 in the 2nd period. Until controversy would come into play when the Sharks defenceman Marc Edward-Vlasic was infront of the Hawks net, and when a pass came to him, he appeared to direct the puck in the net with his skate.
That would end up being a huge momentum swing for the Sharks as they would score 3 more times and leave Chicago with a 5-2 win, and Blackhawks fans still scratching their heads on how the Vlasic goal counted.