Blackhawks vs Panthers: Facing the Champs, Lines, Keys and More

The Chicago Blackhawks have a big matchup tonight against the defending Stanley Cup Champs, the Florida Panthers.

It was not too long ago the Hawks were in the Panthers position. As the defending champs, it can sometimes be hard to come out the next season aggressive and pushing to win games — especially after a shortened offseason.

That has not been a problem for the Panthers who are 12-6-1 on the season with one of the hottest forwards in the league right now. The Panthers are by no means coasting to the postseason.

Florida Panthers Leaders:

Points: Sam Reinhart (29)
Goals: Sam Reinhart (14)
Assists: Reinhart and Barkov (15)
TOI: Aaron Ekblad (22:35)
Shots: Carter Verhaeghe (69)

Blackhawks Projected Lines:

Connor Bedard – Jason Dickinson – Joey Anderson
Tyler Bertuzzi –  Nick Foligno – Ilya Mikheyev
Taylor Hall – Ryan Donato – Teuvo Teravainen
Pat Maroon – Lukas Reichel – Craig Smith

Alex Vlasic – Connor Murphy
Nolan Allan – Alec Martinez
Wyatt Kaiser – TJ Brodie

Petr Mrazek

Extras: Kurashev, Crevier

Blackhawks forward Philipp Kurashev was skating as an extra forward at practice yesterday. It is expected he will miss tonight’s game, which is a bit of a shame because he did have some success against the Panthers last season. On Nov. 4, 2023, Kurashev registered a goal and two assists during the Hawks 5-2 win over Florida.

One big player to watch tonight:

Sam Reinhart comes to Chicago on an 11-game point streak, with 17 points (nine goals and eight assists) during that time. The Panthers are coming off a 6-3 road loss in Winnipeg on Tuesday, and will be looking to rebound tonight. Keep an eye on whether or not Reinhart can continue his point streak in the windy city.

Keys to success for the Blackhawks:

The Florida Panthers have scored five short handed goals this season. This might be an odd key to success, but Chicago cannot give up a short handed goal to the Panthers. If the Hawks get on the man advantage tonight they need to find a way to capitalize.

For more Blackhawks News from Jim Lynch and Brooke LoFurno, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.

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