Marian Hossa will not accompany the Blackhawks on the first portion of this road trip and Corey Crawford will start when they face the Nashville Predators on Thursday night.
Coach Joel Quenneville said on Tuesday that Hossa (upper body) will need more time to heal his injury. Quenneville is still hopeful that Hossa will be ready for the Winter Classic on Monday in St. Louis.
The Blackhawks, who have scored just two goals in their last two games, an overtime loss and regulation loss, tweaked lines a bit at Wednesday’s practice. Tyler Motte was bumped up to the top line with Ryan Hartman and Jonathan Toews while Vinnie Hinostroza went to the fourth line with Tanner Kero and Jordin Tootoo. Andrew Desjardins was not on a line.
Considering their last two games, the Blackhawks worked on puck possession and battle drills – the latter a common sight when they have a losing streak – on Wednesday.
The Blackhawks may not be the only ones missing a star on Thursday. According to The Tennessean, Predators defenseman P.K. Subban did not practice on Wednesday and is unlikely to play vs. the Blackhawks.