Hoge: On Second Thought, Stalberg Out Tonight
By Adam Hoge -
Viktor Stalberg is cleared to play after missing two games with a head injury, but he will not be in the lineup tonight when the Blackhawks host the Nashville Predators.
Both Stalberg and head coach Joel Quenneville said the decision was made because the current lineup has won two straight games, but Quenneville also added that keeping the winger out will give him extra rest with a Christmas break looming.
"Yeah we got a full four days there and a full three days (off)," Quenneville said. "But we didn't want to change the lineup at the same time."
Stalberg said after Tuesday's practice that he would play Wednesday, but then again, he doesn't make up the lineup.
The entire team will get three days off for Christmas starting tomorrow. The Blackhawks host Columbus Sunday.
Meanwhile, both Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane skated Wednesday and have not been ruled out for Sunday's game.
As for tonight, expect to see the same lines Quenneville ran out there for wins over Detroit and Los Angeles in the last two games.
