Blackhawks: Three takeaways from Chicago’s game against the Panthers

The Chicago Blackhawks came into tonight’s game against the Florida Panthers having previously beaten them for the first time this season.

Obviously, this is a trend that the ‘Hawks were looking to continue. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators were both right on Chicago’s heels in the Central Division, so the chance to put some distance between the teams in the standings means they definitely wanted to grab two points.

The ‘Hawks started the game well, and despite being heavily outshot for the entirety of the game, Chicago pulled out the victory, winning the game 3-0. While this was not the best three periods the Blackhawks ever played, there were some big pluses for the team tonight, and the more important thing was the number on the scoreboard. Clearly, the positives from this game outweighed the negatives, and it worked in the ‘Hawks favor.

Looking forward, though, the Panthers definitely played the more complete game overall. They just couldn’t find the back of the net, which is a rarity for Joel Quenneville’s crew, as they’re a team that is used to scoring a ton of goals. That isn’t to say the Cats didn’t try, though, as we’ll get to a bit later. Overall, it probably can’t be said that the better team won tonight. However, a victory is a victory, and the ‘Hawks will take it.

This is probably not one that Head Coach Jeremy Colliton will want the boys in the locker room to remember as their finest hour. Despite that, though, there were definitely some bright spots in this one for the Blackhawks.

Chicago will now look forward to the rest of their homestand. The ‘Hawks next series is against the Nashville Predators. After that, they’ll welcome the surging Carolina Hurricanes to the Windy City. Clearly, the Blackhawks have their work cut out for them for a good while.

Here are three takeaways from tonight’s big victory against the Florida Panthers.