By Townhall Chicago News Staff
The Chicago Blackhawks will host the Florida Panthers on Sunday afternoon at United Center in the first meeting of the season between the two clubs.
Puck drop is set for 2 p.m., with the game airing on Chicago Sports Network locally and ESPN+ for out-of-market viewers, according to the team’s website.
Chicago enters the matchup looking to rebound from a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night. The Blackhawks own a 3-1-0 record against Florida over the last four meetings at United Center, according to the team’s preview published Saturday.
Patrick Kane leads the Blackhawks’ offensive push into Sunday’s game. The veteran forward shares the team lead with six points and five assists through 10 games. Kane logged 45 points in 42 career games against the Panthers, including points in six of his last eight meetings with them, according to the team.
Kane sits three assists shy of 900 for his career, a milestone that would make him the first American-born player and just the 21st in NHL history to reach that mark.
Captain Connor Bedard has scored three goals in six career games against the Panthers. The 21-year-old has recorded four points in his first four games since returning from an early-season injury.
Forward Tyler Bertuzzi has recorded points in back-to-back games against Florida, including a goal in his last meeting with the Panthers on Jan. 25 at United Center, according to the preview. Teuvo Teravainen has posted points in two of his last three outings against them.
The Panthers present a formidable challenge. Forward Brady Tkachuk leads Florida with seven goals and 11 points through 11 games, including back-to-back hat tricks against Columbus and Vancouver earlier in October, according to the Blackhawks’ scouting report.
On defense, the Blackhawks have relied on strong shot-blocking throughout the early season. Ian Cole, who played his 1,000th career game Friday, leads the club with 15 blocks. Wyatt Kaiser has 13 and Alex Vlasic has 11.
Chicago’s penalty kill has improved, going a perfect 3-for-3 against Montreal and killing five straight opposing power plays. The unit stands at 76.7 percent on the season.
Goaltender Spencer Knight has won two of his last three starts and made 25 or more saves in four of his last five appearances.
The second meeting between the clubs is scheduled for Nov. 4 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
