BLOG: Absences Forcing Line Shuffle in New Jersey

Circumstances keeping key players out in Tuesday's game against the New Jersey Devils necessitate Blackhawks adjustments to their lines.

Toews Misses Morning Skate

Jonathan Toews did not practice during the team's morning skate at the Prudential Center. Head coach Luke Richardson reported the captain woke up with flu-like symptoms, saying the decision for him to suit up will likely be a game-time decision. If Toews cannot suit up then the Blackhawks may run with eleven forwards and seven defenders in tonight's game.
"Right now, that's just what we have here," said Richardson. "We just found out [about Toews' illness] right before the skate so we'll have to adjust as the game goes. Hopefully he's okay to go and healthy. Otherwise, we'll miss him - definitely in the faceoff circle as well as other areas."
Toews' absence tonight would push Phillip Kurashev into a more central role, including on the Blackhawks' first power play unit.
"We need a lefty there," said Richardson. "He could probably play a little bit of wing and center. He's obviously taken that position before, so I think just moving guys around. Kind of like what we did the other night against the Rangers when Toews was in the [penalty] box for 17 minutes."

S. Jones' Presence Felt in Return

Seth Jones returned to the ice about two weeks ago following his month-long absence due to a right thumb injury. Since then, the top defenseman has been making up for lost time in the Blackhawks locker room.
"Having him back is great," said fellow defenseman Jack Johnson. "Among the young guys we have [on the team], it's great to have just another calming presence around."
The Blackhawks have also felt Jones' return on the ice, especially on the power play line currently ranked 11th in the NHL in points scored. Jones played a central role prior to the injury and still leads Blackhawks defenders in time-on-ice during penalty play (44:19).
"To get [Jones] back is massive," said Max Domi. "[Having him back too for] even strength [play], it's just huge too. He's one of our best players. That helps a lot."

The Kids Are Alright

With Petr Mrazek missing Sunday's game due to a groin injury and Alex Stalock still out with a concussion, the Blackhawks will turn to Arvid Soderblom to once again handle primary netminding responsibilities. Soderblom continues to impress the Blackhawks between his stellar in-goal performance and his cool and calm demeanor.
"He's been awesome," said Johnson. "He's held us into a couple games early. Like if we didn't get to the start we wanted and had a bit of a barrage on [goal for] us. He's holding straight in there and giving us a chance."
To back up Soderblom, Chicago called up Rockford goalie Jaxson Stauber after Mrazek's injury on Saturday. Stauber had started in goal for the IceHogs that night in a road game against the Hartford Wolf Pack - he'd arguably had his best performance, saving 28-of-30 shots and picking up the 3-2 win.
"As you can imagine it was a bit hectic," said Stauber on getting called up. "But once I got there [with the team], the guys were great [and] the staff was great. They just made me feel comfortable and get me settled in."
The Blackhawks signed Stauber earlier this year to a two-year entry-level contract following his junior year at Providence College. Less than a year later, Stauber is getting his first taste of the NHL.
"A guy here for the first time, that's fun to see and enjoy," said Richardson. "Maybe it makes the other guys reflect on their first time and [that] time goes by fast. You know, you got to make sure you take advantage of every opportunity: not just the young guy, but even the older guys that have been around a long time. It doesn't last forever so you got to make sure that you enjoy it and make the most of that opportunity."