NHL Hockey Player News

Schmaltz has four points (1G / 3A) in 26 games with the Blackhawks this season and has not made the offensive impact the Blackhawks were expecting when he made the opening night roster. His return to the AHL suggests that Jonathan Toews could be ready to play, but that seems unlikely. It’s more likely that Jordin Tootoo will simply re-enter the lineup after sitting as a healthy scratch.

With Crawford sidelined, the Blackhawks turn to Scott Darling in net and have recalled Lars Johansson from Rockford. This is a tough break for Crawford owners because Crawford had been playing great prior to the injury.

Johansson is in his first year in North America and has gone 6-7-1 with a 2.63 GAA and .911 SV% with Rockford after coming over from Sweden. The 29th year old, was 27-6-0 with a 1.74 GAA and .927 SV% in 37 games with Frolunda in Sweden last year. He will backup Scott Darling for the next few weeks, with Corey Crawford out.

Lehtonen gave up two goals on 19 shots in the Stars’ loss in Detroit on Tuesday. Lehtonen has a 3.28 GAA and .885 SV% in 14 games this season and just isn’t a reliable fantasy option. However, he draws a strong matchup tonight against an Avalanche team that has lost four consecutive games.

Scheifele finished the morning skate without a hitch, but news has emerged that he will be a game-time decision tonight. There's no word on what is ailing the start centre, but be sure to monitor his status during pregame warmups.