Blackhawks Playoff Bend: Gustav Forsling At It Again

Without the Blackhawks participating, the Playoff Bend looks at former Hawks having an impact with their current team in the playoffs. Today looks at former defenseman Gustav Forsling and also keeps you up to date with the big story from each of other playoff games from the previous day. 

Once upon a time, the Chicago Blackhawks had Gustav Forsling penciled in as one of its defenseman of the future. It never came to fruition in Chicago but it certainly did with the Florida Panthers. The former Blackhawks defenseman had an assist on a beauty of a shot on net that was redirected into the net. The Panthers won their series opener 3-2 over the Tampa Bay Lightning Sunday afternoon. Former Hawk Brandon Hagel evened the game at one but the Panthers, who were bounced twice by the Lightning earlier in the decade, look to have some vengeance in mind and Florida were the victors.

The Florida Panthers are just STACKED!

The play that Alex Barkov made here to get the puck to Gustav Forsling was incredible.

The NHL’s second leading goal scorer, Sam Reinhart, has the goal. #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/39nAb4Uyoj

— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) April 21, 2024

Gustav Forsling Not Only the Former Hawk in Action

Gustav Forsling wasn’t the only former Blackhawks player wreaking havoc. Artemi Panarin buried a goal in the Rangers 4-1 win over Washington, a team that will definitely have its work cut for them against the Presidents Trophy winners. A Stanley Cup contender and potentially favorite, the Rangers made quick work of the Capitals and appeared more than ready to make quick work of Washington, who snuck into the playoffs and had a playoff record -34 in goal differential.

Winnipeg Blitzes Colorado With Seven Goals in 7-6 win

In what looked like a game from the 80’s, the Jets and Avalanche went toe-to-toe in an absolute goal scoring bonanza that saw Winnipeg emerge the victor. Kyle Connor had two goals in the winning effort as the Jets took a 1-0 lead on the Avs in a series that could very well show just how good Winnipeg has been all season. Connor Hellebyuck surrendered six goals, but his team bailed him out by adding seven to the ledger.

The Daily will have the recap of the Predators-Canucks game, one that showcases a division rival the Blackhawks may be tangling with often in the next few seasons as they rise out of a rebuild.

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