By Chris Kuc Tribune reporter
1:03 p.m. CDT, October 6, 2011
The
Chicago Blackhawks will begin the regular season banged up at the forward position as
Dave Bolland and Ben Smith will both miss Friday night's opener against the Stars in Dallas.
Neither player will make the trip to Dallas and Bolland, who has an upper-body injury, is hopeful to play in the home opener Saturday, also against the Stars.
"We'll see how these next few days go," Bolland said following Thursday's practice. "You always wish you could stay healthy but little things can come out of nowhere. You never know what's coming for you next game or practice."
Bolland said the injury is not related to the
concussion he suffered last year or the back problems the center has dealt with the last few seasons. Smith will start the season on the injury list while recovering from a concussion suffered Sept. 28. Smith did not practice Thurs
Brandon Pirri was recalled from Rockford of the American Hockey League and will center a line with wingers
Bryan Bickell and Michael Frolik.
Coach
Joel Quenneville said it's likely the Hawks will play seven defensemen against the Stars on Friday night.