The Blackhawks announced Monday that defenseman Adam Boqvist has cleared COVID-19 protocol and will be added back to the active roster.
Defenseman Adam Boqvist has been removed from COVID-19 Protocol and added to the active roster.#Blackhawks
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 8, 2021
Boqvist spent two weeks on the COVID-19 protocol list, being added to it the same day as roommate Alex DeBrincat, who was removed from the last week. Boqvist has played in six games this season with three assists, including two on the power play. Lucas Wallmark and Ryan Carpenter remain on the COVID-19 list. Wallmark has spent 12 days on the list and Carpenter nine so far.
In addition, the NHL announced Patrick Kane as the Second Star of the Week for the first days of February:
Patrick Kane has been named the @NHL‘s Second Star of the Week🌟
Congrats, Kaner! #ThatsHockeyBaby pic.twitter.com/AbzaZv6DqP
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 8, 2021
The first star was Boston’s David Pastrnak and third was Montreal’s Jeff Petry. This is the first time this season a Blackhawks player has been named to the list. Kane had two goals and five assists in three games to start the month.
After Malcolm Subban’s .968 save percentage against Dallas in game one of the set, the Blackhawks are fifth in team save percentage this season. Chicago having two goaltenders performing this well is weird, right? That may be just how they want it:
“We’re out here trying to prove people wrong.”
Malcolm Subban on the team culture after last night’s game. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/HRzE88qbm3
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 8, 2021
The Dallas net, meanwhile, will likely see Anton Khudobin return. Khudobin missed Sunday’s game due to disciplinary action but he will start the second game of the set.
Anton Khudobin is back on the ice Monday morning after missing Sunday’s game for undisclosed disciplinary reasons. Andrej Sekera (COVID protocol) and Joel Kiviranta (lower body) are also on the ice.
— Mike Heika (@MikeHeika) February 8, 2021
The Stars’ goaltender overslept for one practice. Jake Oettinger made 33 saves on 35 shots in his absence as the Stars lost in overtime.
The Stars are still missing forward Alexander Radulov from their practice. He will not join the team in the second game. Forward Joel Kiviranta and defenseman Andrej Sekera returned to the ice for the Stars.
The Blackhawks face the Stars again on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.