The Chicago Blackhawks snapped a three-game losing streak with a gritty 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on Thursday night at the United Center. Goaltender Petr Mrazek, back in the lineup after missing Tuesday’s game due to a personal matter, delivered a standout performance with 32 saves to stifle the reigning Stanley Cup champions.
The Blackhawks wasted no time asserting themselves as Teuvo Teravainen opened the scoring just 2:46 into the first period. On the power play, Teravainen capitalized on a slick feed to notch only his second goal in his last 17 games, giving Chicago an early boost.
Craig Smith extended the lead to 2-0 midway through the second period. Breaking free on a pass from Pat Maroon, Smith converted a dazzling backhand on a breakaway for his fifth goal of the season, energizing the home crowd.
Florida quickly answered back just 34 seconds later. Sam Reinhart, amidst a strong scoring stretch, netted his 15th goal of the season, beating a screened Mrazek to cut the deficit to 2-1. It was Reinhart’s fourth goal in his last five games, underscoring his consistent production.
The Panthers pressed for an equalizer throughout the third period, particularly after Chicago defenseman Wyatt Kaiser was penalized for delay of game with 7:38 remaining. However, the Blackhawks’ penalty-kill unit stood tall, keeping Florida’s power play off the board.
With the Panthers’ net empty in the final minutes, Nick Foligno put the game out of reach with an empty-net goal with exactly one minute remaining. It marked his 10th career goal against Florida, continuing his trend of success against the Panthers.
Florida generated several prime scoring chances but failed to convert when it mattered most. Their power play went 0-for-2, and despite 32 shots on goal, the team struggled to solve Mrazek in key moments.
Head coach Luke Richardson challenged his team to show more resilience after blowing a lead late in their last game against Anaheim. The Blackhawks responded with a determined effort, especially in the final stretch of the game, highlighted by a critical penalty kill and a disciplined defensive effort.
The Blackhawks’ penalty kill in the third period proved pivotal. With Kaiser in the box, Chicago thwarted the Panthers’ attack, maintaining their narrow 2-1 lead and setting the stage for Foligno’s insurance goal.
The Panthers return to Florida to begin a three-game homestand, starting Saturday night against the Colorado Avalanche. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks head to Philadelphia for a Saturday matchup with the Flyers as they aim to build on Thursday’s momentum.
With the victory, the Blackhawks reminded fans of their potential to rise to the occasion, as Mrazek’s goaltending and timely scoring proved to be the difference in a much-needed win.
