After cancelling practice on Jan. 30 out of an “abundance of caution” the Blackhawks returned to the ice at Fifth-Third Arena in Chicago on Monday.
Despite missing the end of the game against the Blue Jackets on Sunday, Blackhawks defenseman Lucas Carlsson returned to practice on Monday. Carlsson appeared to injure his left knee blocking a shot in the first period, came back for a few shifts in the second, then missed all of the third while playing a team-low 7:39 in the 3-1 victory.
#Blackhawks defenseman Lucas Carlsson struggled to exit the ice after blocking #CBJ Vladislav Gavrikov’s shot with his left knee. Carlsson took one shift then went to the dressing room. pic.twitter.com/KmOaBVCne5
— Brandon Cain (@brandonmcain) February 1, 2021
The Blackhawks are still missing Adam Boqvist and Nicolas Beaudin while both remain on the COVID-19 Protocol list, so Carlsson’s on-ice presence remains important. He’s played in four games so far this season with two blocked shots and a takeaway.
In net, the Blackhawks increased reps with Collin Delia as Kevin Lankinen worked solo with goaltending coach Jimmy Waite.
Kevin Lankinen worked solo with Jimmy Waite before practice so that Collin Delia could get some live reps.
Colliton on Delia: “We haven’t committed to anything. We have three and we believe in all three. Obviously, their performance dictates what you do in the short term.”
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) February 1, 2021
Delia hasn’t played in net since Jan. 17 and has a .863 save percentage in two games this season.
In addition, the Hurricanes, who the Hawks play on Tuesday, announced that Petr Mrazek’s injury sustained during their game on Sunday against the Stars was more serious than had been expected. He was injured after colliding with teammate Max McCormick.
Mrazek had started four of the Hurricanes’ six games and has a .955 save percentage this season. He will miss both games against the Blackhawks, meaning Carolina will have either James Reimer or Alex Nedeljkovic handle the net.
The Hurricanes could benefit from the return of a familiar face to Blackhawks fans. Teuvo Teravainen, Chicago’s first-round pick (18th overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft is aiming to return for Tuesday’s game after his stint on the COVID-19 Protocol.
In addition, the Blackhawks made several business operations announcements on Monday, launching Support West and hiring Matt Gray as VP of Business Operations & Analytics.