In a strange Opening Day twist, the Blackhawks had an unfortunate goaltending situation unfold during Thursday's morning skate ahead of their first game against the Ottawa Senators.
Anton Forsberg was injured after getting hit with the puck in an unspecified spot, and did not return. Coach Joel Quenneville said after practice that he will be out but it's not believed to be anything significant.
To serve as Cam Ward's backup, Collin Delia is being called up from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.
"He certainly proved last year that he took the big chunk of the net there at the end," Quenneville said of Delia. "He got Rockford in a real good spot in the playoffs and had a good playoff run as well. Obviously he had an outstanding game here last time we were in Ottawa [during preseason], so he's proven that he's really developed over the short amount of time here to prove that he can play and wants to play, and has all the ingredients you want in a goaltender, so we're comfortable with him coming up."
Corey Crawford, who traveled with the team as the Blackhawks look to continue getting him into practices and up to game speed and shape, occupied the backup net after Forsberg left. But Quenneville said there was no consideration to use him as the backup during the game.
With the roster sitting at 22, the Blackhawks have an open spot and don't have to make a corresponding move to recall Delia.