Smith Scores, Power Play Shows Life, and More From Blackhawks 3-1 Win Over Panthers

The Chicago Blackhawks’ ESPN+/Hulu exclusive game against the Florida Panthers seemed like nothing but the worst could happen. The Blackhawks were in a three-game rut and have scored only four goals in that span, and they were facing the reigning Stanley Cup Champions. Yet, the Panthers have not won a game in Chicago since 2021-22, and the streak has been extended as the Blackhawks came out with a huge win and their offense came alive. Here are 4 thoughts from the Blackhawks 3-1 against the Panthers.

1. Blackhawks Power Play Finally Converts

Two minutes into the game, Teuvo Teravainen scored a power-play goal, putting the Blackhawks up 1-0. That was a huge goal for two reasons. One, Teravianen had only scored one goal in his last 16 games. Tyler Bertuzzi, who has been in a bit of a slump, was recently demoted to the fourth line but was placed on the third line for the game. He had a shot on goal, which let up a rebound, leading to Teravainen scoring. It was a big play all around from the team’s veterans.

Secondly, the power play had not scored in four games prior, so that had to feel good for the team.

Also, a shoutout to Alex Vlasic, who got an assist on the play. He now has eight points on the season. He had 16 points last season and has come up big again.

2. Dickinson’s Injury Scare

Jason Dickinson has been centering the first line the past two games with Connor Bedard on the wing, and they have shown promise together. Dickinson is especially great for big defensive matchups, so it was concerning when he left the bench in the second period. When head coach Luke Richardson spoke with Emily Kaplan during the timeout, he said he didn’t know if he would be back. He also said he would rotate the first-line center players, keeping Bedard at wing.

Dickinson blocked a shot in the game with his hand, which was the culprit.

The Hawks are already thin on center depth, so losing Dickinson for any amount of time, even just a period, is a tough loss, but also against the Panthers, who have some of the best talent in the league. Thankfully, the Hawks were able to hold a 2-1 lead without him, and he returned in the third period.

3.Craig Smith Calls Game

Going into the game, Craig Smith was tied for third on the team in goals. He got his fifth goal, that ended up being the game-winning goal. Smith isn’t a huge scorer, but when he does, his goals are very pretty, and they usually end up being very significant. The last time he scored a goal was against the LA Kings on Nov. 12, which ended up being a win, as well.

4. Blackhawks Overcome Third-Period Struggles

The Blackhawks usually struggle in the third period. In fact, according to the ESPN graphic, their -11 goal differential in the third period is the second-worst in the league. They only had five shots on goal in the third period, but they did a good job defending the Panthers, where they didn’t have a lot of grade-A chances. Petr Mrazek, once again, is never not the backbone of the team.

Nick Foligno scored an empty-net goal to beat the Panthers 3-1. For once, the Blackhawks were not chasing the game in the third period and held the lead. Everything they have struggled with, including offense, power play, and the third period, was overcome for a night.

The United Center crowd was loud, and it was a well-deserved win. Connor Bedard did not record a shot on goal in this game, extending his goalless drought to 11 games, but maybe having a great team win under their belt will fire him up for the next game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 23.

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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