Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links: Panarin Lifts Jackets Over Caps in OT

Former Chicago Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin is trying to help the Blue Jackets win their first-ever playoff series

It’s hard to imagine what the Chicago Blackhawks would look like if the salary cap wasn’t an issue.  Winning three Cups in six years has been impressive, but how many more could they have won?

Every season, the Blackhawks seem to try and make up for annual salary cap casualties, but it has become tougher now more than ever.

One player a lot of people didn’t want to see go was forward Artemi Panarin.  GM Stan Bowman signed Panarin to a two-year entry level contract after several years in the KHL.

He had instant chemistry with linemate Patrick Kane, and became a dangerous threat on the powerplay.  In the two years he played in Chicago, Panarin never scored less than 70 points.

Panarin was dealt over the summer to Columbus in a trade that brought back former Blackhawk Brandon Saad among other pieces including goaltender Anton Forsberg.  Saad was successful with the Jackets, but they felt Panarin gave them more scoring power.  They may have been right.

In overtime in game one against the Washington Capitals, Panarin drove the net and finished with a backhand-forehand top-corner snipe.

Around the league, five seemed to be the number of goals to score as the Lighting, Bruins, and Predators hit that number winning their homes games.  Besides the Blue Jackets, the Sharks also won game one on the road.

LA Kings defenseman Drew Doughty was suspended by the NHL one game for his high hit on William Carrier.  It doesn’t look like the league is tolerating any funny business.

And finally, a gatorade commercial have been airing during the Stanley Cup Playoffs featuring Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith.  They’re drinking Gatorade and continue to say “real smooth.”  The irony.

Next: Securing the Blackhawks' Future Part II: Vinnie Hinostroza

Morning links

• With core fading, young Blackhawks need to step up – Chicago Sun Times
• Early returns for Saad-Panarin weren’t good for Hawks – The Athletic
• Snoop Dog hosts YouTube series explaining hockey – NY Daily News
• Lead found in hundreds of Chicago homes – CNN
• NHL sends message with Doughty suspension – USA Today