Panthers Outclass Blackhawks in 5-1 Loss: Takeaways from a Learning Night in Chicago
The Chicago Blackhawks ran into a buzzsaw on Sunday night, falling 5-1 to the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. It was the third game in four nights for the Blackhawks, and while the compressed schedule due to the upcoming Olympic break is challenging for every team, it’s especially demanding on a young, developing roster like Chicago’s.
Florida, meanwhile, came in on the second night of a back-to-back after an overtime win in Minnesota-and they still looked like the fresher, sharper team. The Panthers showed why they’re the champs, and the Blackhawks were reminded that growth in the NHL doesn’t come without a few painful lessons.
Let’s break down what stood out from the loss and where the Blackhawks go from here.
Line Shuffles Continue as Blashill Looks for Chemistry
Here’s how the Blackhawks lined up against Florida:
Forwards:
- Oliver Moore - Connor Bedard - Andre Burakovsky
- Ryan Greene - Frank Nazar - Nick Lardis
- Tyler Bertuzzi - Jason Dickinson - Ilya Mikheyev
- Ryan Donato - Nick Foligno - Landon Slaggert
Defense:
- Alex Vlasic - Louis Crevier
- Wyatt Kaiser - Artyom Levshunov
- Matt Grzelcyk - Connor Murphy
Goaltenders:
- Spencer Knight / Arvid Soderblom
Head coach Jeff Blashill continues to tinker with his lineup, and Sunday’s game saw another round of experimentation-most notably, pairing Oliver Moore with Connor Bedard for the first time. It’s a combination that offers speed and skill, but like any new look, it’ll take time to gel.
The second line also got a shakeup, with Ryan Greene sliding down and Nick Lardis moving up to flank Frank Nazar. These changes are part of a broader effort by Blashill to find the right mix, but even he admitted postgame that the constant line blending might be doing more harm than good.
“Probably over searching, trying to find the right combination,” Blashill said. “Sometimes you do that, it hurts your team.”
Bertuzzi Breaks Through
After five straight games without a goal, Tyler Bertuzzi finally lit the lamp-and it was a beauty.
With under 30 seconds left in the second period, Bertuzzi buried a much-needed tally to tie the game at 1-1. It was a classic Bertuzzi goal-gritty, timely, and the product of hard work around the net. That’s exactly what Blashill has been asking of him: be a presence in the dirty areas and let the goals come from doing the little things right.
For Bertuzzi, who’s had just one other dry spell this season (a six-game drought in December), this could be the spark he needs to get rolling again. He’s been one of the more consistent forwards for Chicago this year, and his ability to get under opponents’ skin while contributing offensively is a key piece of the team’s identity.
Bedard Still Searching for His Rhythm
Connor Bedard is still working his way back to full form after returning from a shoulder injury. In his last eight games, he’s managed just one goal and four points-a noticeable dip for a player who usually drives the offense.
Blashill acknowledged the uneven play postgame, noting that Bedard has had stretches where he looks like himself and others where he’s clearly still trying to find his groove.
“You’re out for a long time, it’s hard to get your mojo back sometimes,” Blashill said. “We’ve kind of played with the lines. Maybe that’s hurt him, not having consistency there.”
There’s no panic here-Bedard is still the heartbeat of this team-but it’s clear he’s navigating the challenge of returning from injury, adjusting to new linemates, and facing increased defensive attention from opponents. It’s all part of the learning curve for a young star in the NHL spotlight.
Youthful Urgency vs. Veteran Patience
If there’s a theme that keeps popping up with this Blackhawks group, it’s this: they’re still learning how to let the game come to them.
Against a composed and structured team like Florida, Chicago’s inexperience showed. The Blackhawks tried to force plays instead of letting their systems work, and that often led to turnovers, missed assignments, and frustration.
Captain Nick Foligno spoke candidly about the need for patience and trust.
“Sometimes, as a young player, and even us as older players, you just get a little bored with it,” Foligno said. “Because it’s not breaking, it’s not happening, and you don’t trust that it’s gonna happen... We need to trust this process a little bit more.”
It’s a relatable struggle for a young team. When the effort is there but the results aren’t, the temptation is to do too much.
But as Foligno pointed out, it’s about building habits and trusting that those habits will eventually pay off. That’s the difference between a team like Florida, with championship pedigree, and a team like Chicago, still learning how to win.
Bright Spot: The Bertuzzi-Dickinson-Mikheyev Line
While the scoreboard didn’t favor the Blackhawks, one line stood out in a big way: Tyler Bertuzzi, Jason Dickinson, and Ilya Mikheyev.
That trio dominated their minutes, generating 10 shots on goal to Florida’s one and leading shot attempts 18-5, according to Natural Stat Trick. They were fast, connected, and predictable in the best way-knowing where each other would be and moving the puck with purpose.
Blashill praised their work in the offensive zone, saying, “They were fast with it. Their puck speed was great. They knew where each other were.”
If the coaching staff is looking for a foundation to build on, this line might be it.
Special Teams: A Tale of Two Units
The Blackhawks’ power play continues to be a sore spot. They’re now 0-for-17 over their last seven games, and it’s clear something needs to change.
Blashill hinted that tweaks are coming, saying the current setup just isn’t getting it done. Whether that means new personnel, different zone entries, or a change in philosophy, it’s an area that desperately needs a spark.
On the flip side, the penalty kill remains a strength. Chicago killed off the lone Florida power play and has now gone 11-for-11 over the last four games. With an 85.5% success rate, they lead the league in PK efficiency-a testament to structure, effort, and buy-in.
What’s Next
There’s no time to dwell on this one. The Blackhawks head out for a tough road trip, starting with a divisional clash against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, followed by a visit to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins on Thursday. Then it’s back home for a quick turnaround against the Blue Jackets on Friday.
These next few games will be another test of resilience for a young team still finding its identity. The losses sting, but the lessons are valuable. As the Blackhawks continue to build for the future, nights like this will be part of the process.