Chicago Blackhawks (8–10–5) at Florida Panthers (8–9–3)
6:00 p.m. CST / 7:00 p.m. EST
BB&T Center
TV/Radio: NBCSCH/WGN
PROJECTED STARTERS
Chicago – Cam Ward (3–2–4, SV%: .891 GAA: 3.81)
Florida– James Reimer (3– 5 –1, SV% .896, GAA 3.27)
TEAM STATISTICS
Power Play
Chicago (13.0%, 30th)
Florida (25.3%, 7th)
Penalty Kill
Chicago (75.4%, 24th)
Florida (74.2%, 29th)
Shorts for/against
Chicago (32.7, T-8th; 32.9, 26th)
Florida (35.5, 2nd; 30.7, T-8th)
Shooting %
Chicago (8.0%, T-26th)
Florida (9.0%, T-24th)
Faceoff %
Chicago (50.1%,17th)
Florida (50.3%, 15th)
Avg. height/weight
Chicago 6’1”, 195lbs
Florida 6’1” 200lbs
PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS
Chicago Blackhawks
Brandon Saad–Jonathan Toews–Patrick Kane
Nick Schmaltz–Artem Anisimov–Alex DeBrincat
Alexandre Fortin–David Kampf–Dominik Kahun
Chris Kunitz–Marcus Kruger–Luke Johnson
Duncan Keith–Gustav Forsling
Erik Gustafsson–Brent Seabrook
Henri Jokiharju–Jan Rutta
Florida Panthers
Evgeni Dadonov–Aleksander Barkov–Mike Hoffman
Jonathan Huberdeau–Nick Bjugstad–Denis Malgin
Frank Vatrano–Jared McCann–Troy Brouwer
Dryden Hunt–Juho Lammikko–Colton Sceviour
Mike Matheson–Aaron Ekblad
Keith Yandle–Mark Pysyk
Bogdan Kiselevich–MacKenzie Weegar
Analysis
The Blackhawks have given up a goal in the first minute of the past two games. This team cannot play from behind. A better start is needed.
Chicago takes on the Florida Panthers, tonight, after losing to the Lightning 4–2 yesterday. Florida lost to Carolina, on the road, 4–1.
Goaltender Roberto Luongo left the game in the first period, for Florida, with a lower body injury and did not return. Expect James Reimer in net.
Since Jeremy Colliton took over, the Hawks have collected 6 out of a possible 16 points. As the schedule heats up over the next three weeks, the road does not get any easier for the Blackhawks. Tonight’s two points are a must if the Hawks hope to stay afloat in the Western Conference.
With that being said, is it time for Chicago to start shooting for a top 5 pick in next year’s draft? It’s becoming clear, as currently constructed, this team lacks the playoff talent management is selling.