The Daily: Panthers Stun the Maple Leafs; IceHogs on the Brink

Might the Florida Panthers be priming the NHL for another unexpected upset?  The Panthers surprised the Maple Leafs 4-2 Tuesday night, taking a 1-0 lead and raising some more eyebrows around the league. Sure, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. After all, anything is possible in the more equal, parity driven league.

Days after dispatching the heavily favored and record setting Boston Bruins, here comes Florida with another victory knocking off a vaulted Cup Contender. Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards writes that the Panthers penalty kill was a strength along with timely goal scoring, keeping Toronto away from any comeback bids.

The series resumes in Toronto on Thursday.

Rockford Faces Elimination Tonight in Texas

After using two overtime victories to push past the Iowa Wild in the first round, the Rockford Icehogs find themselves on the wrong side of the series when they take on Texas in the Lone Star state tonight. The IceHogs come off of a 4-1 loss Sunday night where they couldn’t generate the same type of offensive magic that powered them past Iowa.

📍 Austin, Texas

we’ve arrived😎 pic.twitter.com/YDNOfhwtLi

— x- Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) May 2, 2023

Rockford has found diversity in its attack, at least in Game 1. But they were only able to notch one in the follow up, missing an opportunity to even the series. Now, the Icehogs need to find a way to string three straight together, certainly a tall task, but one they could entertain. Previous to its last two losses, the IceHogs finished the regular season 5-2. Including the final two games in the playoffs, Rockford won five of its last six.

The IceHogs have battled back all season long. Don’t be surprised if they push back tonight.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• The launch of Chicago Hockey Now and what you as a reader can expect.
• The Blackhawks of Tomorrow Series looks at defenseman Kevin Korchinski
• In the opening piece of the Blackhawks Bottom Line series, the only fitting way to start is with a look at Jonathan Toews.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: David Krejci admits there’s a lot to consider as the offseason takes hold. Boston Bruins

Calgary: The Flames look to have chosen star Jonathan Huberdeau over former head coach Darryl Sutter. Calgary Flames

Detroit: The Red Wings will be without top prospect Simon Edvinsson for four-six months. Detroit Red Wings

Los Angeles: If the Kings are going to find more consistent success, they must ease the burden on Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar. Los Angeles Kings

Montreal: How do things look for the Canadiens in terms of odds as the Draft Lottery nears? Montreal Canadiens

Pittsburgh: Former Penguins director of player personnel Derek Clancey is generating interest around the league. Pittsburgh Penguins

Washington: The Capitals agreed to a two-year contract extension with defenseman Alexander Alexeyev. Washington Capitals