A couple of veterans are soon returning to the Blackhawks’ lineup.
The Chicago Blackhawks are dealing with some injuries right now to a couple of veterans and it isn’t helping the team turn things around amidst a rough stretch.
Both Alec Martinez and Laurent Brossoit are injured and Isaak Phillips and Arvid Soderblom are in their place on the roster. Both veterans are expected back soon, but unlike Martinez, Brossoit hasn’t played a regular season game for the Blackhawks yet.
The Blackhawks play a back-to-back this weekend against the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks. This is to wrap up the California swing that used to be a lot harder for teams. Chicago dropped the first game to the weakest team, the San Jose Sharks, and are hoping to take the final two games.
Both Marinez (groin) and Brossoit (knee) aren’t expected to join the team for their current road trip, which means that their earliest expected return date to the lineup is November 6 at home against the Detroit Red Wings.
Martinez has played just four games, so young Wyatt Kaiser and Nolan Allan have gotten a good amount of playing time thus far this season in the veteran defenseman’s place. Martinez will undoubtedly get slotted back into the lineup when he returns and Phillips, who has yet to play a game this season, should be returned to the AHL.
Blackhawks Starting Goalie Projections For Southern California
The Blackhawks had high hopes coming into this season about the goaltending improvement with the addition of Brossoit. He went 15-5-2 with a 2.00 GAA, .927 SV%, and three shutouts last season with the Winnipeg Jets. Soderblom has played well while filling in, but Brossoit has the experience and proven ability to do very well in net. He will be a welcomed addition to the lineup and allow Petr Mrazek even more rest to stay healthy through the season.
The Blackhawks are almost healthy, and that’s a big thing for the team considering how last season played out. The team wants to get back on the right track and win the tight games they’ve been losing this season. Both these players returning to action soon will only benefit them in doing so.
