GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Blackhawks aren't ruling out some tweaks to the lineup and the Phoenix Coyotes will have Radim Vrbata back for Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series tonight.
Vrbata was hurt early in Game 1 on Thursday and did not turn. But Phoenix coach Dave Tippett told the media this morning that Vrbata, the Coyotes' leading scorer with 35 goals, is good to go.
That poses a threat to the Blackhawks, who only saw Vrbata for about 30 seconds before Andrew Shaw's hit knocked him out of the game.
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"With him in the lineup, he's been a big threat all year. He's really skilled with the puck and has a great shot," Bryan Bickell said. "When (Phoenix's top line) is in the offensive zone we need to shut him down and just keep it simple. Hopefully we can do that."
The Blackhawks could make a change or two to their lineup tonight but coach Joel Quenneville wasn't showing his hand this morning. The Blackhawks weren't showing much on the ice either -- they ran their same lines and defensive pairings during morning skate. Defenseman Sami Lepisto was off the ice early, usually an indication a guy is playing that night. But Lepisto said he wasn't sure if he was in for Game 2.