Friday, Sept. 23, 2011
Posted: 12:46 p.m.
By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com Blackhawks InsiderFollow @TraMyersCSN
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Corey Crawford should play all of tonight's game in net, and several veterans will make their 2011 preseason debuts when the Chicago Blackhawks host the Washington Capitals at the United Center.
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It's the Blackhawks first preseason home game, and veterans Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Dave Bolland and Andrew Brunette will be in the lineup. This will also be the first preseason start for Crawford.
Brandon Saad will play his third preseason game tonight. The second-round selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft has impressed in camp, and the Blackhawks want to see a little more.
"He's done a lot right," coach Joel Quenneville said. "Whether it's a reward or experience (with Saad getting his third game), we'll get a longer look."
Defenseman Dylan Olsen will also make his preseason game debut. Olsen, who had a solid rookie camp, is coming off a lower-body injury he suffered about a month ago. He missed the first few days of training camp but feels better and is ready for tonight's opportunity.
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"I finally got back at it (a few days ago). I didn't think I'd get a chance to play, so obviously I'm excited," he said. "There are a lot of vets in the lineup so it'll be good to be out there. Hopefully I'll play to their speed and play my game as well."
Viktor Stalberg, Steve Montador, Rostislav Olesz, Marcus Kruger, Jamal Mayers, Ben Smith, Brandon Segal, Jimmy Hayes, Brian Fahey and Rob Flick will also play tonight.
Alex Ovechkin, Jason Chimera, Mike Green and Joel Ward are among those in the Captals' lineup. Tomas Vokoun is expected to get the start in goal.
Game time is 7 p.m.
Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.