It seems likely winger Viktor Stalberg will be back in the Blackhawks’ lineup tonight in Boston for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Stalberg took rushes on the fourth line at this morning’s skate, replacing Brandon Bollig, who made a costly error in Game 2 that led to the Bruins’ winning goal in overtime.
Stalberg is also one of the NHL’s fastest skaters, and Boston has, at times, had trouble with Chicago’s speed in the first two games of the series.
Update (12:35 p.m. ET):
Stalberg is in, according to ‘Hawks head coach Joel Quenneville.
“I think we need some speed from him,” said Quenneville. “I think we need energy. I think that he’s a threat off the rush, in zone, defensively responsible.”
As for the guy Stalberg will replace?
“I think Bollig gave us a couple real strong games,” said Quenneville. “You can talk about the last play. Certainly, you like the predictability of his game. I thought he did a nice job.
“Viktor, we’re just looking for more. I think offensively, defensively, giving us some more in both those areas.”