Blackhawks-Panthers: Toews and Co. Look to Continue Hot February in Florida

Game Preview

The Chicago Blackhawks will  continue their second road trip of the month in the beautiful city of Sunrise, FL, to take on the Florida Panthers. 

It has been a crazy month of February for the 'Hawks that has taken them from Los Angeles to Calgary to Atlanta and now to Sunrise. In Florida that 'Hawks meet a surprising Panthers team that is currently in the sixth position of the Eastern Conference.

The key to the Panthers success has been solid goaltending and consistent production from everyone in the Panthers lineup. 

The 'Hawks will likely have Cristobal Huet in net to take on the Panthers lineup. Huet has played well in his career against the Panthers posting a 5-2-1 record with three shutouts and a goal allowed average under one. 

The 'Hawks offense has been surprisingly effective in the absence of Patrick Sharp, although it is a rather small sample. Patrick Kane has found his scoring touch in the last two games with five points (one goal and four assists) and his production will be a welcomed in a game versus the Panthers. 

If the 'Hawks plan to be successful they will need Kane and Toews to continue their hot streak and for Huet to make key saves early. 

If the game against Tampa Bay is any indication then the game against the Panthers should be another very enjoyable one.

Players to Watch

Jonathan Toews

On fire does not come close to describing Jonathan Toews' recent play, in his last two games he has scored six points in his last two games (three goals and three assists). He has flourished in the absence of sniper Patrick Sharp but you can also equate much of his recent success to the reemergence of Patrick Kane.

With Sharp out Kane and Toews have been reunited and have been playing quite well together, like last season. With this success that has been found with Toews and Kane on the same line it might be time to consider keeping them together when Sharp does come back. 

Make sure you look to the front of the Panthers net because you will likely see Toews parked their looking for rebounds.

Troy Brouwer

Brouwer has played well, although he is not racking up the points he has been playing with plenty of energy and physicality. Now is the time to shine for Brouwer because he is now featured on the first line with Toews and Kane so he will need to increase his offensive production.

Brouwer has always been a good scorer at the AHL level but his production has yet to translate into the NHL. Now he will have a good chance to show why he deserves to be with the big club and that he can score at every level given the right opportunity.

News and Notes

The Chicago Blackhawks announced that they will be placing Nikolai Khabibulin and Patrick Sharp on injured reserve. 

For more news and notes check out my latest version of Hawk Shots.

Chicago Blackhawks Projected Lineup

Forwards

Brouwer-Toews-Kane

Byfuglien-Versteeg-Adams

Ladd-Bolland-Havlat

Eager-Fraser-Burish

Defense

Keith-Seabrook

Walker-Campbell

Barker-Wisniewski

Goaltender

Huet