Florida and Chicago had a tough time getting started tonight, as the game was pushed back a half hour to accomodate the late arriving crowd, victims of a snowstorm. Tonight marks the return of Scottie Upshall, Jack Skille and Sean Bergenheim.
With seven minutes gone, Stephen Weiss flashed a little of his skill, splitting two Hawks on a breakaway chance, but was tripped by Brent Seabrook on his way into the zone.
The resultant power play saw Chicago clear the puck out three times before Scottie Upshall was called for high sticking ex-Panther Michal Frolik, putting the teams on a four on four followed by a 52 second power play for the Hawks. Chicago set up nicely, but couldn’t get a good chance on Jose Theodore.
John Madden was called for tripping Steve Montador 12 minutes into the game. Chicago kept it in the Panthers zone for most of the penalty. Chicago failed to capitalize on their good fortune, even though the Cats only cleared it out twice. Theodore made two good saves during the two minute episode.
Chicago got on the board when Patrick Kane found Johnathon Toews breaking out behind the Panthers defensemen for his 27th goal of the season. An assist was also awarded to Viktor Stalberg.
Soon after, Chicago got their third power play of the night when Keaton Ellerby boarded Andrew Shaw on the Panthers side of the ice. Chicago would make the Cats pay for it with another score with only 17 seconds left on the clock. Duncan Keith tallied his third of the season with helpers from Marian Hossa and Nick Leddy.
Hits: Panthers, 13-9
Blocked Shots: Panthers, 7-2
Faceoffs: Blackhawks, 11-7
Shots on Goal: Blackhawks, 8-5
Score: Blackhawks 2, Panthers 0