Blackhawks' Stalberg ruled out vs. Predators

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Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010
12:16 p.m.

By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com

Blackhawks forward Viktor Stalberg will not play tonight against the Nashville Predators. But he, Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane could be ready to go, or very close to it, after Christmas, coach Joel Quenneville said this morning.

Stalberg (head) has been cleared to play but Quenneville said there was no need to rush him back in for just one game prior to the Christmas break.

Weve got a full three days (off) there, so were not changing lineup. (tonight), Quenneville said. Hell be ready to go after the break.

Hossa, who skated with the Blackhawks this morning, could also be ready right after Christmas. Kane skated by himself prior to morning skate and Quenneville said he did well. Well see how he presents himself out of the break with a chance of playing in one of those first couple of games.

The Blackhawks will face the Predators for the third time this season; Nashville won the first two games.

We want to make sure the focus is in the right place, Quenneville said. Its like going into all-star games when you have a week off. We want to go into the break with some momentum. Lets make sure our mindset is in the right place. This is a game where were playing a real dangerous opponent.

Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.

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