Richard Panik didn’t have to wait long to get into the Blackhawks’ lineup after all.
Artem Anisimov was out Tuesday night due to illness, and Panik made his Blackhawks debut in the team’s game against the Nashville Predators. It was a surprise scratch on Anisimov, who had skated with the Blackhawks on Tuesday morning. How long Anisimov will be out is unknown; coach Joel Quenneville will address it following the game.
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The Blackhawks acquired Panik on Jan. 3 but a lengthy visa process delayed his arrival here. He got to Chicago on Monday and skated with the Blackhawks on Tuesday morning. Quenneville originally said that the Blackhawks would give Panik a couple of skates before deciding if he’d play against either Montreal or Toronto later this week. Obviously, Anisimov’s illness changed that plan.
Teuvo Teravainen centered the second line with Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane. Panik played left wing on the third line with Phillip Danault and Andrew Desardins.