Stalberg Officially Out In Game 2
By Adam Hoge-
UNITED CENTER (CBS) As expected, Viktor Stalberg will not play in Game 2 against the Red Wings today as Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville will likely stick with the same lineup that worked in Game 1.
Stalberg was benched in the first game against the Wings as Quenneville looked to spark his team, while also asking his third-line winger for more intensity.
It's possible Stalberg is out of the doghouse, but Quenneville rarely changes his lines after a win and he liked how Daniel Carcillo played in the 4-1 win.
"I thought he gave us some energy and some purpose," Quenneville said.
Saturday's game is a rare Noon start in the playoffs, but Quenneville doesn't think it should have much of an impact on his team.
"I think the guys, once they get in, they don't mind playing in the afternoon," the head coach said.
Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock admitted after Game 1 that their recent travel had taken a toll on his team and may have contributed to them running out of gas in the third period. The Blackhawks expect the Wings to have their legs under them a little bit more today.
"We expect them to be better and we know we have to be better as well," Quenneville said. "It's a progression in a series, the games become more intense in importance and starts are important so let's be sure we're respectful for what they are going to do and expect a harder game."
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