Blackhawks hope to turn things around vs. Flyers
CHICAGO -- Given the way his Chicago Blackhawks have stumbled out of the gate in losing two of three games to start the season, coach Joel Quenneville is far from satisfied.
The Blackhawks have seen a lack of productivity from their top-line performers. Chicago has yet to receive a goal from stars Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Artemi Panarin heading into Tuesday night's game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the United Center.
"There are guys we need more (from)," Quenneville told reporters after the Blackhawks practiced on Monday. "Across the board, we need more. We can't be happy with how we've played in three games. The last game (Saturday against Nashville), we gave up a higher number of chances we usually don't see -- more probably in the first two games together.
"We have to tighten up in all aspects of our game, can't be satisfied, we need more."
The Blackhawks (1-2) have gotten four goals from Richard Panik, who skated with Toews and rookie Tyler Motte on Chicago's top line during Monday's practice. Panik had a hat trick in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Predators as the Blackhawks picked up their first victory.
Chicago will again be without forward Ryan Hartman, who suffered a lower body injury on Friday night. Quenneville listed Hartman as day-to-day on Saturday, but said Monday that the rookie -- who scored in Chicago's season-opener last week -- very likely would not play against the Flyers.
The lack of star production, along with the struggles the Blackhawks have experienced thus far on the penalty kill, has left Quenneville wanting more from his team, which faces a Philadelphia team that hasn't had issues scoring goals this season.
Chicago's penalty killing unit has surrendered seven goals in 13 opportunities, which is a major concern for a team trying to find some rhythm.
"It hasn't been good enough," Blackhawks' center Marcus Kruger told reporters after Monday's practice. "It's not even close to being good. We've got to battle through it. It's going to be a process to getting it better."
The Flyers (1-0-1) have tallied seven goals in two games.
"You come out with three points out four in the first two games, it's not too shabby," Philadelphia right wing Wayne Simmonds told reporters after Saturday night's 4-3 overtime loss to the Arizona Coyotes.
According to Philly.com, Michal Neuvirth will likely get the start in goal for the Flyers over Steve Mason. Neuvirth made 23 saves in Philadelphia's 4-2 win over the Kings on Friday.
Flyers coach Dave Hakstol likes what he has seen from his team over its first two games, especially considering the offense -- paced by center Sean Couturier, who has two goals in two games while rookie Travis Konecny and Brandon Manning each have three assists in the two games -- has it has put up so far.
He hopes that can continue against the Blackhawks, who have surrendered 11 goals in three games, including the seven while skating a man down.
"We're doing a lot of good things," Hakstol told reporters Saturday night. "Our effort (Saturday) was outstanding. For back-to-back nights, it's the effort that you want. But there's a lot of things that mentally we can do a little bit better and be a little sharper."
