The Chicago Blackhawks continued their stretch of games against elite teams. Yes, the Florida Panthers are on the outside looking in for a postseason spot, but they showed why they are the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. They had every reason to phone this one in after an overtime win in Minnesota last night, but they played a no-frills, simple game, allowing their depth to take over and beat the Blackhawks 5-1.
With the Panthers in town after back-to-back games against the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning, you could argue that the Blackhawks have played the three best-coached teams in hockey in a row.