The Blackhawks keep getting offense from their defensemen. Thats good, because they may have to chip in for an injured teammate.
Steve Montador and Jonathan Toews scored two goals apiece, but Brent Seabrook suffered a lower body injury and did not return to the Blackhawks 6-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night.
The Blackhawks have won three in a row but the victory was somewhat tempered by the injury to Seabrook; coach Joel Quenneville said Seabrook is currently listed as day to day, and that theyll know more Monday morning.
Seabrook appeared to have lost an edge as he went into the back boards awkwardly with about 14:30 remaining in the second period. He got off the ice and went to the locker room on his own, but he was putting little weight on his left leg.
The Blackhawks may have to call on that defensemen depth, much of which they picked up this offseason.
We missed (Duncan Keith) there for three games and it was obviously a void with all the quality ice time in all situations, Quenneville said. We did a good job without him this half of the game, but it may present a challenge moving forward.
Meanwhile, one of those summer acquisitions was once again an offensive threat. Montador now has three goals in his past two games, including another one on the power play. His first goal was a beauty, as he bobbed and weaved his way to the front and flicked one past Nikolai Khabibulin.
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It also came just 34 seconds after Toews first one, giving the Blackhawks an early 2-0 advantage. Montador laughed at the notion that his first-goal move was Patrick Kane-like.
I dont look like Justin Bieber, Montador joked. But (Kane) is in a league all of his own. I was just trying to hold onto the puck like I did and get it around Khabibulin and did that.
Quenneville said Montadors first goal was pretty remarkable for a defenseman, and a big goal at the time. Hes been a nice addition to our club.
The defensemen continue to pump the Blackhawks offensive numbers, as they added six more points on Sunday. Keith scored his second goal of the season and Nick Leddy added two assists.
Its great for everyones confidence and great for teams confidence to see different guys score, Toews said. It doesnt matter who scores as long as we find a way. If were getting it from different guys, it just goes to show we can play a solid team game and things will go well for us if we keep working.
Daniel Carcillo had an empty-net goal while Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp and Kane each had two assists.
The Blackhawks are getting contributions across the board, and a lot more now from the blue liners. Its translated into a more consistent game and victories. Whether or not the Blackhawks will have to go without Seabrook for a bit is not known. But they have to be confident with their depth and current run.
Weve had good starts but at the same time were not letting off the gas pedal, so to speak, Toews said. We have to keep going that way whereas, when we have a lead going into the third period, home or road, our style doesnt change.
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Dave Bolland (right foot) was out again for Sundays game. Quenneville said Bolland will make the road trip, and the coach hopes Bolland plays in one of the first two games.
Leddy now has 10 assists on the season and leads Blackhawks defensemen in points with 12.
Hossa was also credited with four takeaways on Sunday night.