After showing up late to Chicago Blackhawks practice on Monday, defenseman Artyom Levshunov will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday.
The Chicago Blackhawks are looking for a win. Last week’s 3-0 shutout win over the New York Rangers was great, but back-to-back losses on Friday and Saturday leave a bad taste in the team’s metaphorical mouth. On Monday, reports indicated that Jeff Blashill was really fired up at practice. He reportedly laid into defenseman Artyom Levshunov for messing up on a drill. That said, it appears there was more behind the outburst.
Per Blashill on Tuesday, Levshunov will be a healthy scratch, but not for his play. Rather, Levshunov was late to practice on Monday, sparking the decision. Although it appears Levshunov “didn’t do it on purpose”, the standard is the standard and Blashill intends to keep everyone honest.
Levshunov’s play has been solid in his first full NHL season. Through 31 games, the Belarusian has 14 points (one goal, 13 assists), leading all defensemen on the team in scoring. His absence could be missed on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but Ethan Del Mastro will take his place in the lineup.
The Blackhawks begin a three-game trip in Eastern Canada with a Tuesday tilt against the Maple Leafs. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT.