Also from Jesse:
Dave Bolland, Ben Smith questionable
By Jesse Rogers
ESPNChicago.com
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The
Chicago Blackhawks might have to take the ice in their season opening game Friday in Dallas without two key forwards.
With
Viktor Stalberg already on the mend, coach Joel Quenneville declared
Dave Bolland and
Ben Smith "questionable" for both games against the Stars this weekend. Bolland has been out the past five days with an upper body injury.
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"He skated and tried it," Quenneville said Wednesday after practice. "He's questionable for the weekend. Hopefully we get him in."
Smith has practiced the last two days as he recovers from a concussion he suffered last Wednesday night in a preseason game against Detroit. Quenneville said he hasn't been cleared for contact yet.
If either, or both players, are unable to play, the Hawks would recall a forward or two from AHL's Rockford, according to Quenneville. Centers
Brandon Pirri and
Marcus Kruger were two of the last cuts in training camp and would be strong possibilities to be brought back. Jimmy Hayes could be a possibility if they want a winger.
Though
Michael Frolik has played center at practice the last two days Quenneville said he likes him and
Bryan Bickell "along the wall," indicating the Hawks would be in need of a center on that line.
Jesse Rogers covers the Blackhawks for ESPN 1000 and ESPNChicago.com.
