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Claws and Talons: Panthers vs Blackhawks

March 10, 2023, 6:54 PM ET [20 Comments]
Matt Ross
Florida Panthers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Florida’s 2-1 win over Vegas on Tuesday night was a good example of how I thought this team would be playing all year under Paul Maurice. Instead of scoring 5-6 goals a night in a run-and-gun system, the Cats were predicted to trade in their offense for a more conservative, tough to play against scheme when Maurice joined. Except, we haven’t gotten the latter consistently.

However, Tuesday night felt more like that style of play. Going to-to-toe with the top dog of the Pacific Division, the Panthers hung tough and won a very close one agains VGK. Credit to Knights’ goalie Adin Hill, who had some very nice saves against dangerous opportunities from Florida. What stood out most to me this game was seeing the Panthers play with actual tenacity. They were going hard to the net and along the boards — often out working Knights players to win battles in the corners for centering passes. We have not seen a lot of that and I’m hoping this is a trend that continues.

And so with their confidence building, the Cats take on the Chicago Blackhawks, a team in the running for the Connor Bedard sweepstakes.

The Hawks are in the midst of a complete overhaul. After moving a lot of guys to collect picks, superstar Patrick Kane was dealt after 16 years — headed for greener pastures in a Rangers sweater.

With a 22-37-5 record, Chicago sits in 31st in the league and back to their “Dark Ages.” Despite their depleted team and place in the standings, the Hawks have played some stronger hockey as of late.

The worst thing the Panthers could do tonight is so what Ottawa did and take the Hawks lightly. Regardless of their record and play, Chicago still posses the ability to catch teams by surprise - as they did to the Senators and Red Wings in their last two games.

With Duclair out due to illness, here is what Jameson Olive is reporting regarding lines:



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Can the Cats get on a three-game winning streak?

Go Panthers!
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