As the defending 2015 Stanley Cup Champions stepped on the ice this season, they were hoping for a much more victorious start. The Chicago Blackhawks got the season underway on October 7 as they faced the New York Rangers in the United Center. Even though Chicago lost in regulation 3-2, it proved to be an exciting game for one of their newest additions, Artemi Panarin, who scored his first National Hockey League (NHL) goal. This former Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) star continued to add points to his name, as he scored a goal and assisted two goals at home against the New York Islanders.

“I feel as Panarin will continue to produce points and will be able to boost the team’s energy, as he has been doing early in his career,” said sophomore Andrew Kicinski.

Four days later, the Blackhawks got shutout by the Flyers in Philadelphia. From there the team continued to the United States capital, Washington, D.C. to face Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals. The Capitals took the 4-1 win, and the beloved Chicago team traveled back to their hometown hoping to redeem themselves after a bitter two-game road trip. They faced former Chicago Blackhawk, Brandon Saad, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. One of Chicago’s newest additions, Artem Anisimov, scored in the second period to put the Blackhawks up 1-0. The game continued as Tuevo Terravainen, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa scored to win the game 4-1. The Chicago team was on their way to take a four-game break as some important news was released. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks top defenseman, was placed on the long-term injury reserve. Keith suffered a torn meniscus and underwent surgery. As for the team, this opens up $5.5 million in salary cap space which means they could acquire a temporary replacement for Keith. This type of strategy was seen last season with Patrick Kane’s shoulder injury. But it will be difficult to find a defenseman of Keith’s skill level as a replacement. The next day the Blackhawks continued to play at the United Center against the Florida Panthers. It truly was a team effort to make up for Keith’s absence. Artemi Anisimov continued to produce goals as he scored early in the first period. A thrilling 36 seconds later the Panthers tied the game up as Vincent Trocheck poked the puck into the Chicago net. The matchup continued to entertain the audience as Blackhawks Brent Seabrook, Patrick Kane and the oldest player in the NHL Jaromir Jagr of the Panthers were able to put the puck in the back of the net. The final result was 3-2 for the Blackhawks. One problem the team is currently having is that the line ups are inconsistent. Marian Hossa spoke spoke his opinion on this topic.

“It is hard to keep changing lines, it would be nice to be able to build some chemistry,” said Hossa. As of now, the Blackhawks stand 11th in the NHL standings with four wins and three losses. They are at home for their next two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Ducks. These two games should be interesting as the Lightning are not far ahead of Chicago and the Ducks, despite despite being 28th place, will be hungry for a win.