The Chicago Blackhawks were without three key forwards in Wednesday’s late-night 4-3 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils.
Andre Burakovsky (illness), Jason Dickinson (upper body), and Frank Nazar (lower body) all missed the contest due to injury, which forced the Blackhawks to recall Landon Slaggert from Rockford to fill out a full lineup.
The good news? Burakovsky, Dickinson, and Nazar each participated in Friday’s practice session at Fifth Third Arena. That’s promising.
The bad news? Tyler Bertuzzi, who has missed one game already this season with an injury, wasn’t on the ice for practice, while Nazar had to leave early after appearing to be in some discomfort. Not as promising.
Head coach Jeff Blashill spoke with the media after practice to provide updates on the four players’ statuses ahead of Saturday night’s Original Six matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
According to Blashill, Burakovsky is feeling better and will return to the lineup against Toronto. The 30-year-old forward has been a massive part of the Blackhawks’ encouraging start to the season, with 14 points (7G, 7A) through 15 games. He’s meshed well alongside Connor Bedard on the top line and also been effective on the power play. Burakovsky is off to a tremendous start to his Blackhawks tenure, and it’s big to have him back for Saturday.
As for Bertuzzi, Dickinson, and Nazar, Blashill said the three players are “day to day” and could still potentially play versus the Leafs. He added that all three could be back, or they might not have any of them. The situation remains fluid, and the team will know more by Saturday’s morning skate.
Dickinson was placed on injured reserve back on Nov. 3 and has missed each of the Blackhawks’ last six games. He also was out for three games earlier in the season due to a nagging injury. It was encouraging to see Dickinson shed the grey non-contract sweater at Friday’s practice, suggesting he’s getting closer to his return. However, he was utilized as the 13th forward during line rushes, which potentially hints that he’s not quite ready to return on Saturday. We’ll have to wait and see.
Nazar suffered his lower-body injury during the latter half of the Blackhawks’ six-game road trip when he was knocked down to the ice by Calgary Flames forward Joel Farabee. Nazar has missed the last two games as a result, but his participation in practice on Friday was a positive sign.
The 2022 13th overall pick didn’t remain on the ice for too long though, as he was seen hunched over and looking uneasy before exiting to the Blackhawks’ dressing room. Nazar didn’t return for the rest of practice, but Blashill confirmed that he didn’t reaggravate his injury or have a setback. Nazar was set to take part in only a few drills at practice, so his early departure was seemingly planned. Crisis avoided.
Blashill did not disclose the injury that Bertuzzi is dealing with, but he thinks that the gritty forward will be available tomorrow. It’s just not a guarantee. Given Bertuzzi’s rugged style of play, he likely has to play through some bumps and bruises pretty often. The Blackhawks are hopeful he can fight through some pain and play on Saturday.
Bertuzzi is off to a fantastic start to his second season with the Blackhawks, as he’s second on the team with 15 points (9G, 6A) and is in the midst of a four-game point streak. His five power-play tallies are also tied for fifth in the NHL. Bertuzzi has missed one game so far this year, which came in a 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 26.
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