A couple ex-Blackhawks have helped push their teams to the Eastern Conference Finals with excellent performances.
The Chicago Blackhawks have been known to let some very good talent slip through their fingers and the 2024 playoffs are filled with those former players. Two high-class ex-Blackhawks have helped lead their teams to the Eastern Conference Finals this year.
Both Artemi Panarin of the New York Rangers and Gustav Forsling of the Florida Panthers played major roles in not only helping their teams win two rounds, but win the second round matchups in particular.
The Panthers knocked off the Boston Bruins on Friday night with Forsling scoring the series-clinching goal with 1:33 left in the third period of Game 6. Forsling, the regular-season leader in plus/minus at plus-56, is once again in the lead in that category (tied with Chris Tanev) in the postseason with a +8.
In the series the Panthers' stellar defenseman had two goals and one assist, but scored the biggest goal of the series. He also logged over 22 minutes per night with no overtimes in the series and also added 13 hits and seven blocked shots. Now 27-years-old, Forsling played for the Blackhawks between 2016-19 before being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Panarin had more of an overall offensive impact for the Rangers and really stepped up his game in the second round when he was needed more against a tough Carolina team. After one goal and three points in the sweeping of the Washington Capitals in Round 1, Panarin lit up the scoreboard for two goals and eight points in Round 2.
Both of Panarin's goals in the series were game-winners. The first came in Game 1 in the third period and the second came in Game 3 in overtime.
He sits at four goals and 11 points in 10 games. Panarin played just two seasons for the Blackhawks in 2015-16 and 2016-17. His ability was evident then and it's no surprise he's a major factor on a Stanley Cup favorite.
We can't assume where the Blackhawks would be if neither of these players were moved on from, but they are key members of their teams and having excellent playoffs.
