"The Panthers bus, like every other commuter on the streets, got stuck in horrific traffic Friday night because of a major snowstorm. The team was late arriving to United Center, thus delaying the start of their game with the Blackhawks.

By the end of the first period, the Blackhawks had made quick work of the struggling and slumping Panthers. Chicago got goals from Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith in the final 2:20 of the opening period and held on for a 3-1 win in front of an announced 21,777 who braved the elements to enjoy Friday's win at the "Madhouse on Madison.''

"We need to start pushing in the right direction,'' Panthers coach Kevin Dineen said, "and not keep falling back. To create opportunities, we need to get pucks at the net. We simply have not been doing that enough.''

Florida remains tied with the Capitals with 52 points atop the Southeast Division, although both teams are in danger of being outside the final eight in the Eastern Conference because of recent play. The Panthers have dropped eight in a row (0-4-4) away from home and 10 of 13 overall.

"We've put ourselves,'' coach Kevin Dineen lamented, "back in the muck.''

Indeed. Florida once held a nice lead on both the Capitals and Jets but have since crashed back to earth.

Despite having three of their injured forwards back Friday, the Panthers created only a few offensive chance while the Blackhawks seemed to sit back and beat Jose Theodore when the opportunity arose."