TNT Analysts Rip Blackhawks as 'Soft' During Loss to Panthers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Viewers of TNT's telecast of the Blackhawks-Panthers matchup on Wednesday were treated to a night of sharp criticism aimed at the Blackhawks. Analyst Paul Bissonnette did not hold back during the first intermission, stating, 'I don't see a lot of identity. I see a soft team. They don't check well. They don't forecheck well. They don't really do anything well.'

The Blackhawks showed slight improvement in the second and third periods, but it wasn't enough to silence Bissonnette, as they fell 5-3. The loss marked their fourth consecutive defeat and their 12th in 16 games this season.

Connor Bedard contributed two assists and was physically engaged throughout the game, battling hard for pucks and delivering a few solid hits. He mentioned that the team has had discussions about competing harder since a dreadful outing against the Red Wings last week. However, coach Jeff Blashill felt that not everyone fully embraced that mindset on Wednesday.

'[It's] not necessarily about the physicality, just the competition level to win battles,' Blashill said. '[Bedard] competed like crazy. For not every guy to follow that suit is not acceptable. A lot of guys did, but you've got to have 20 going.'

Frank Nazar ended a seven-game goal drought with two third-period goals, narrowing what was once a 3-0 deficit to 4-3, but the Blackhawks struggled to generate offense overall. They managed only 20 shots on goal.

Bissonnette repeatedly tore into the Blackhawks, labeling them 'brutal' and 'unwatchable,' while fellow panelist Henrik Lundqvist offered more measured but insightful commentary. 'When you're in a rebuild and you try and get out of it, to win consistently in this game, it's not about being the best team every night, but you have to be smart and you have to have awareness,' Lundqvist said. 'You see sometimes the lack of awareness from young teams. When you watch Florida, they're not always the best team, but they're playing winning hockey. That will save you so many nights.'

Blashill later said he disagreed with Bissonnette's assessment but acknowledged that the team's record makes them a target for criticism. 'When you have the record that we have, you put yourself in position to be criticized,' he said.

Boucher's Debut

The Blackhawks were without Patrick Kane, who is sidelined with an upper-body injury, and he will definitely miss Thursday's game against the Lightning. Blashill also ruled him doubtful for Saturday's matchup at the Hurricanes. Dillon Boucher replaced Kane in the lineup, making his NHL debut at age 29. Boucher's journey is a noteworthy one, having played four years of Canadian college hockey, three years in the ECHL, and one in the AHL. Described by Blashill as a 'galvanizing guy,' Boucher is an enforcer, but he couldn't find any Panthers willing to drop the gloves during his eight minutes of ice time.

Originally reported by chicago_suntimes.