Blackhawks Avoid Errors, Hold on to Upset Panthers
When Panthers coach Paul Maurice examines the Blackhawks, he’s not sure why there’s so much angst over their struggles early this season.
A New Perspective
Maurice said, "They battle, skate, and work hard, and they’re going to go through the inconsistencies of youth; that’s all it is. They have good young players; they have a superstar. It’s just a matter of time."
This perspective carries weight, coming from Maurice, who leads all active NHL coaches in career victories. It might be influenced, however, by the fact that Luke Richardson’s Hawks have given the Panthers some trouble even during these last few rebuilding seasons.
Third Straight Win at the United Center
The Hawks’ 3-1 win Thursday was their third straight over Florida at the United Center. It also means they, somehow, have already beaten last season’s Stanley Cup finalists — they toppled the Oilers back on their opening road trip.
Special Teams Shine
Teuvo Teravainen took a much-needed step toward breaking out of his slump with an early power-play goal, and Craig Smith buried a breakaway to increase the lead. Goalie Petr Mrazek made 32 saves, helping the Hawks hold on during a nerve-racking third period to earn only their third home victory of the season.
Discipline Pays Off
"We had a commitment to winning hockey tonight," Nick Foligno said. "It wasn’t perfect — it never really is — but [we were] not making blatant errors and taking the life out of our own game. That’s where we were better."
Odd Combination
The strange first line of Jason Dickinson centering Connor Bedard and Joey Anderson had a much quieter offensive night than they did Tuesday. None of them had any shots on goal, and the Hawks were outshot 33-20.
Bedard’s Defensive Effort
They were solid defensively, however, against the Panthers’ top two star-studded lines. That’s common for Dickinson — even though he "gutted out" a hand injury that caused him to miss most of the second period — but not for Bedard.
Savoie Clicking
Down in Rockford, three rookie forwards whom the Hawks took in the first three rounds of the 2022 draft — Samuel Savoie, Gavin Hayes, and Paul Ludwinski — are all adjusting to the AHL together, at times forming an entire line together. Of the three, the sneaky and feisty Savoie has stood out the most. That’s true statistically — Savoie has five points compared to Hayes’ three and Ludwinski’s one — and visually.
Conclusion
The Blackhawks’ win was a testament to their commitment to discipline and their ability to hold on to a lead. With their young players showing signs of growth and development, the future looks bright for the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What did Panthers coach Paul Maurice say about the Blackhawks?
A: Maurice said that the Blackhawks are a good team, with good young players and a superstar. He believes they will eventually come out of their slump.
Q: How did the Blackhawks hold on to their lead?
A: The Blackhawks made a commitment to winning hockey and avoided making blatant errors, which allowed them to hold on to their lead.
Q: Who stood out among the rookie forwards in Rockford?
A: Samuel Savoie, a 2022 draft pick, has been the most impressive of the three rookie forwards, with five points and a feisty on-ice presence.
