Artem Anisimov still out as Blackhawks face Senators

Artem Anisimov is still out and Scott Darling will start his 10th consecutive game when the Blackhawks host the Ottawa Senators Tuesday night at the United Center.

Anisimov is still day-to-day with the upper-body injury he sustained in the first period against St. Louis on Saturday night. The Blackhawks will go with the same lines they had in their 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday.

Coach Joel Quenneville did not want to rule out Anisimov possibly returning on Friday, when the Blackhawks host the Colorado Avalanche.

Meanwhile, Corey Crawford practiced with the Blackhawks for the first time since suffering appendicitis on Dec. 3. Crawford is hopeful to play on Friday.

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“I gotta get some practice in first and the timing back, but we’ll try to shoot for Friday,” said Crawford, who was complimentary on how Darling has played in his absence.

“Unbelievable,” Crawford said of Darling. “He’s been great for us ever since he came here. He’s just looking for a chance. He’s been great. He stole a few games there, some great performances. Made some big saves in the other games, too, at key points in the game. You can’t ask for more than that.”