Jeremy Colliton’s first full day as the Blackhawks head coach started with an injury as Brandon Saad took a puck to the face during Wednesday’s practice at MB Ice Arena.
Colliton told reporters Saad was skating toward the net when the injury occurred, but that the puck went it. The 33-year-old coach added that Saad did have to visit a dentist, but he’s hopeful the forward will be ready for Thursday’s game against the Hurricanes.
Saad skated on the third line alongside David Kampf and Alexandre Fortin in practice. The 26-year-old Saad has four goals and seven points in 15 games this season.
Colliton is taking over as the Blackhawks head coach after the team fired Joel Quenneville on Tuesday.
Here’s how Colliton organized the lines on his first day:
DeBrincat — Toews — Kahun
Schmaltz — Anisimov — Kane
Saad — Kampf — Fortin
Martinsen — Kruger — Kunitz