Chicago Blackhawks News

The struggling Blackhawks have lost six of their last seven and will turn to Mrazek between the pipes on Wednesday against the Colorado Avalanche. Mrazek has allowed four or more goals in four straight (0-4-0), including giving up six goals on 28 shots (.786 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues. After starting the season with an impressive .912 SV% in 16 games (7-8-1), Mrazek has fallen off significantly, posting an ugly .834 SV% in seven games since (0-6-0). The Blackhawks enter Wednesday's contest as +203 home underdogs against an Avalanche club that is 8-1-1 in their last 10.

Murphy is battling through a groin injury, did not practice on Thursday, and will not play on Friday. The 31-year-old Murphy has been a steadying force on the blue line for the Blackhawks this season, averaging 20:33 time-on-ice and scoring 13 points (1G / 12A) in 38 games. Wyatt Kaiser will draw into the lineup as Murphy's replacement.

Connor Murphy will not play on Friday against the Montreal Canadiens due to a groin injury, allowing Kaiser to re-enter the lineup. Kaiser has not played since December 14th. He is averaging 17:33 time-on-ice and has one point (0G / 1A) in 28 games this season.

Petr Mrazek played in Chicago's 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues in Tuesday's Winter Classic. The Blackhawks will revert to Soderblom between the pipes on Friday, looking to snap a five-game losing skid. Soderblom allowed five goals on 35 shots (.857 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. He has a 2.78 GAA and .907 SV% in 16 games this season (5-9-1). The Blackhawks enter Friday's contest as +124 home underdogs against a Montreal Canadiens squad outscoring their opposition 12-4 during a three-game winning streak.

Reichel has 11 points (3G / 8A) in 34 games this season but is averaging only 12:30 time-on-ice, nearly two minutes less than the 14:07 he was playing last season. The 22-year-old forward has only two points (0G / 2A) in his last 13 games.

Murphy is battling through a groin injury and did not practice on Thursday. The 31-year-old Murphy has been a steadying force on the blue line for the Blackhawks this season, averaging 20:33 time-on-ice and scoring 13 points (1G / 12A) in 38 games. The Blackhawks return to action on Friday against the Montreal Canadiens.

Dach was recalled on Thursday and will likely make his NHL debut on Friday against the Montreal Canadiens. The 21-year-old Dach is in his second professional season, scoring 25 points (12G / 13A) in 30 games with the Rockford IceHogs (AHL).

Anderson hasn't played the previous three games and has been assigned to the Rockford IceHogs (AHL). The 26-year-old Anderson has spent most of the season with the Blackhawks, averaging 12:24 time-on-ice and scoring zero points (0G / 1A) in 18 games.

Smith has been out of the lineup since suffering an injury in the third period of Chicago's December 12th game against the New york Islanders. The 35-year-old Smith has 10 points (6G / 4A) in 26 games while averaging 11:47 time-on-ice.

Martinez has been out of the lineup since December 7th but appears to be nearing a return to the Blackhawks lineup. The 37-year-old Martinez is averaging 20:05 time-on-ice, recording four points (1G / 3A), 38 blocks, and four hits in 15 games.

The Blackhawks have struggled lately, being outscored 21-10 during a four-game losing skid, and will hope to change their fortunes with Mrazek between the pipes in the Winter Classic on Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. After starting the season with a solid .912 SV% in his first 16 games (7-8-1), Mrazek has fallen off significantly, posting a lousy .844 SV% in his last six appearances (0-5-0). The Blackhawks enter Tuesday's contest as +125 home underdogs against a Blues club coming off a 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

Martinez has been out of the lineup since December 7th but could return to the lineup on Tuesday. The 37-year-old Martinez is averaging 20:05 time-on-ice, recording four points (1G / 3A), 38 blocks, and four hits in 15 games.

Smith has been out of the lineup since suffering an injury in the third period of Chicago's December 12th game against the New york Islanders. The 35-year-old Smith has 10 points (6G / 4A) in 26 games while averaging 11:47 time-on-ice.