The Daily: Blackhawks Prospects Can Clinch; Panthers Rest

A trio of Chicago Blackhawks prospects are on the verge of the Western Hockey League Final should they take care of business tonight. Forward Colton Dach, defensemen Kevin Korchinski, and Nolan Allen have all played respective roles in the Thunderbirds 11-1 run so far. Dach is fifth among Thunderbirds forwards with 12 points (3-9) while Korchinski is second among Thunderbirds defensemen with 11 (1-10) which included his first goal of the playoffs in Seattle’s 8-4 win Thursday night. Allen has chipped in seven points (2-5).

Seattle and Kamloops finished one-two respectively in the regular season. It remains to be seen if that trend continues tonight with a Seattle victory, which will provide more valuable postseason experience for Chicago’s prospects.

Playoffs: Panthers Rest While Devils Are Back in a Tough Spot

The Florida Panthers took a break Friday as they host Toronto tomorrow night in game three of their playoff tilt. The Panthers lead the series 2-0 and have flustered the Maple Leafs, no more than rallying from a two-goal deficit in game 2.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils are in a familiar spot. But can they pull out of the tailspin this time? The Carolina Hurricanes are rolling right now, dispatching the Devils 6-1 to take a 2-0 series lead.

Speaking of 2006 … most goals for the Hurricanes in a playoff game since Game 1 vs. the Devils that year (6-0).

— Luke DeCock (@LukeDeCock) May 6, 2023

Finally, can Edmonton get back into with Vegas tonight? The top heavy Oilers will need to rely more on than just Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to get back into the series.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• Colton Dach is the most recent Blackhawks of Tomorrow prospect CHN analyzed
• Teammate Kevin Korchinski was the first in the series of Blackhawks of Tomorrow
• Many Blackhawks fans shook their heads and wondered “what if” when Gustav Forsling buried Florida’s game winner against Toronto. Did Chicago give up on him too quickly?

Hockey Now Network

Boston: No surprise here as Jim Montgomery is a Jack Adams finalist. Boston Bruins

Colorado: Would the Avalanche actually consider trading Devon Toews? Colorado Avalanche

Detroit: A look at former Blackhawk Olli Maata’s season, which resulted in a contract extension: Detroit Red Wings

Montreal: A Canadiens mailbag that looks at a variety of topics including potential buyout candidates: Montreal Canadiens

Nashville: The Blackhawks aren’t the only ones seeing postseason success with their prospects. The Predators are seeing under the radar prospects reaping rewards in the second season. Nashville Predators

Pittsburgh: How will the Penguins replace departing free agents? Pittsburgh Penguins

Vegas: Some dualistic thinking heading into Game 2: Three reasons to be excited with three reasons to be concerned. Vegas Golden Knights