Chicago Blackhawks Niklas Hjalmarsson Leaves Game Early

The Chicago Blackhawks most unsung defenseman left the United Center ice early in the first period while facing the Arizona Coyotes.

The Chicago Blackhawks were missing Niklas Hjalmarsson during their morning skate this morning which many thought was just a maintenance day for the Blackhawks defenseman.

Going into tonight’s contest, Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville must have known more about Hjalmarsson then he let on after the morning skate because he dressed 7 defenseman which included Michal Rozsival.

The odd man out was Vinnie Hinostroza who got the press box seats, while Rozsival got some ice time for the first time in 14 games.

Niklas Hjalmarsson played only 3:02 in the first period, and that was all we saw from him tonight from the United Center.

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So without the Chicago Blackhawks most unsung player Rozsival had some ups and downs already during the first two periods.

Rozsival got beat badly on the 2nd goal of the game for the Coyotes when Ryan White shot the puck and then skated right around #32 and put in his own rebound.  It was like watching time stand still with White skating right around Rozsival.

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Of course, right when everyone started complaining about Rozsival (and they were complaining about #32)

Then Rozsival scored the go ahead goal after a nice pass from Nick Schmaltz and everything was ok in the Hawks world.

Well not everything because Hjalmarsson will not be returning to the game with no press release on why he won’t return. If there is an injury update we will get it to you quickly!

Next: Blackhawks must take advantage of their schedule!

For now Hjalmarsson is out for the rest of tonight’s game!