Bedard scores in 3rd straight game, Blackhawks defeat Panthers

Philipp Kurashev showcased his skill with a goal and two assists, while Taylor Hall experienced his first taste of success with the Blackhawks (4-6-0) after their recent defeat against the Arizona Coyotes. The Blackhawks had not played since that 8-1 loss on Monday, making this victory all the more satisfying.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Matthew Tkachuk managed to score for the Panthers (5-4-1), but it wasn’t enough to overcome the dominant performance by the Blackhawks. Anthony Stolarz put up a valiant effort with 19 saves, but ultimately couldn’t prevent the Blackhawks from triumphing.

The Blackhawks took an early lead with Nick Foligno’s goal on the power play at 6:25 of the first period. Seth Jones’ powerful shot from the blue line deflected off Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling, and the puck found its way to Foligno, who made no mistake with a precise wrist shot.

While the teams were playing at 4-on-4, Nikita Zaitsev doubled the Blackhawks’ lead at 9:21 with a well-placed shot from the slot, courtesy of a pass from Kurashev. This was a significant moment for Zaitsev as it marked his first goal of the season.

At 12:39, Hall extended the Blackhawks’ lead to 3-0. Displaying his exceptional skill, he accepted a cross-ice pass from Jason Dickinson, maneuvered past Stolarz, and expertly slipped the puck between the goalie’s pads. Hall’s goal was especially noteworthy as he had been sidelined for the previous three games due to a shoulder injury.

In the second period, Bedard further cemented the Blackhawks’ dominance with his fifth goal of the season at 5:29. Seizing the opportunity after a Florida turnover in the neutral zone, Bedard confidently skated down the left side and sent a laser-like shot past Stolarz’s glove.

As the third period commenced, Ekman-Larsson managed to pull one back for the Panthers on the power play at 6:33. With a composed wrist shot from just inside the blue line, Ekman-Larsson breathed some life into the game.

Tkachuk added another goal for Florida at 12:29, bringing them within reach at 4-2. He capitalized on a rebound from Carter Verhaeghe’s shot, displaying his superb awareness and scoring his 500th NHL point in the process.

Finally, Kurashev sealed the Blackhawks’ victory with an empty-net goal at 19:50, securing the definitive 5-2 scoreline.