Scott Darling will start in net, but that will be the only change for the Blackhawks when they host the Calgary Flames on Sunday night at the United Center.
This will be Darling’s first appearance since Nov. 6, when he came in to relieve Corey Crawford against the New Jersey Devils.
Duncan Keith (right knee) and Michal Rozsival (left ankle) will play tonight after returning from their respective injuries on Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues. Keith played more than 27 minutes in his return.
The Blackhawks will face a Flames team that has been trying to recover after a poor start to the season — they won just two of their first nine games. The Blackhawks played with plenty of energy in St. Louis; granted, the Blues usually bring out the best in the Blackhawks. They want to see that same energy tonight.
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“They’ve got a lot of offense to their game. Their transitional game is as good as anyone and they can generate,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “So let’s make sure we’re aware of them with the puck and their transition from defense to offense.”
Meanwhile, Quenneville is getting good reports from Rockford about Bryan Bickell. The forward, who was sent to Rockford on Nov. 2, had three-point nights in consecutive victories over Iowa.
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“Besides his offensive production, I think his game’s been good,” Quenneville said.
Asked if the Blackhawks could recall Bickell again soon, Quenneville said, “We haven’t talked about that yet, but certainly (Bickell’s game is) definitely very encouraging.”