The timing isn't good here for Florida. The Panthers players are still in shock mode and are unhappy after popular coach Gerard Gallant was fired after leading the team to a franchise record for wins and points last season.

This will be the Panthers' first game since Gallant was let go with general manager Tom Rowe taking over as coach.

The Panthers haven't won at Chicago since 2009, a string of five consecutive defeats. The Panthers still are working through an overhauled roster and injuries. I don't see them being mentally up for this matchup against a Blackhawks squad that has been playing better winning 11 of their last 16.

It's a nice plus for Chicago if Jonathan Toews is able to play. He's questionable having missed the past two games. Both of those contests were on the West Coast. The Blackhawks beat the Ducks, 3-2, and lost to the Kings, 2-1, in overtime during those games.