Chicago Blackhawks, NHL 3 Stars: Panarin Strikes Again

Chicago Blackhawks’ 3 Stars

Third Star: Jonathan Toews.  Our fearless captain is recently back from injury, and he’s been trying extremely hard to snap his goalless streak.  Against San Jose on Sunday, Toews earned a secondary assist on Kane’s goal.  He had a couple good looks, and was credited with three shots on goal, but nothing went in for him.

Tuesday versus Ottawa was a similar story for Toews.  He was working hard, but had nothing to show for it.  On Friday when the ’Hawks played the Avs, things finally paid off.

He was credited with a goal, tapping in an Artemi Panarin shot.  Some might say the puck would have gone in anyway, but Toews was at the right place at the right time, and he’ll take credit for the goal.

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He also won 15 of 22 faceoffs, and had six shots on goal in this game.  Hopefully this goal and all his hard work will lead to more offensive contributions for Toews in the future.

Second Star: Patrick Kane.  Kane tallied a goal against the Sharks, and two assists against the Senators.  He’s also been logging lots of extra minutes and being double-shifted in the absence of Marian Hossa and Artem Anisimov.

Speaking of which, because of the above-mentioned injuries, a first line of Kane, Toews and Panarin has emerged.  As you will see below, these three players make up my three stars of the week for the ’Hawks.  Perhaps I should be spreading the wealth, but these guys are doing what they are supposed to do right now, and that’s leading the team in production.

First Star: Artemi Panarin. Panarin was the first star last week, and he earns the honor yet again.  He’s been one of the most consistent players for the Chicago Blackhawks as of late.

The Bread Man tallied two assists against San Jose, one on a Duncan Keith goal, and one a Kane goal.  Against Ottawa, Panarin scored a goal of his own.  Against Colorado, he earned an assist on Toews’ powerplay goal.  It was his 21^st assist on the season.  He now has a point streak across seven consecutive games, having earned 13 points.

Panarin’s favorite shot is a one-timer from the left circle.  It’s completely predictable, but opposing teams can’t seem to stop it.  Kudos to the Bread Man for continuing to get it done, whether it be his notorious shot or picking up the apples by helping out his teammates.