Morning Chirps: Blackhawks injury updates, Matthews exits after hit from behind

The Chicago Blackhawks are back at the United Center tonight as they host the Eastern Conference-leading New Jersey Devils. Check back in this afternoon for a complete game preview and again late tonight for postgame analysis. Until then, here are some fresh Morning Chirps to hold you over.

Blackhawks Chirps

• In case you missed it yesterday, head coach Jeff Blashill gave updates on injured forward Frank Nazar and Jason Dickinson. Nazar missed practice on Tuesday and is not expected to play tonight as he deals with a “mid-body” injury. His status for Saturday’s game is uncertain. Dickinson skated on his own before practice but was ruled out for tonight. He, too, is doubtful for Saturday.

• Jeff Marron wrote that the Blackhawks’ dominance in the third period is a significant factor in their early-season success.

• Jeremiah Lee wonders if the Blackhawks stay on this pace and are contending for the Stanley Cup Playoff berth, will that change Kyle Davidson’s trade deadline plans?

• Sacha Boisvert was named the Hockey East Co-Player of the Week. He picked up a career-high four assists for Boston University on Saturday, with three of the four being primary. He is the only Hockey East player to have a four-assist game this season. He has a goal and nine points in eight games for the Terriers.

• On this date in 1967, the Blackhawks played their first game against the St. Louis Blues. Ken Wharram scored his 200th career goal and recorded an assist in a 5-2 victory.

• Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call, Nov. 12: Marty Zoborosky, Denis DeJordy, and Adam Munro.

NHL Chirps

• The Toronto Maple Leafs could be shorthanded when they arrive in town on Saturday. Both Auston Matthews and Anthony Stolarz left last night’s 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins with injuries. Matthews suffered a lower-body injury from a hit from behind by Nikita Zadorov. Stolarz played the entire first period but failed to return to the game after the intermission. After the game, head coach Craig Berube said Stolarz should be “fine,” while he had no update on the severity of Matthews’ injury.

• Bruins forward David Pastrnak scored his 400th career goal in the victory. He became the third player for Czechia to reach this milestone. He is also the seventh-fastest player born outside North America to score 400 goals, doing so in 774 games.

• The Tampa Bay Lightning placed former Blackhawks prospect Dominic James on injured reserve. He suffered an undisclosed injury in Saturday's game against the Washington Capitals.

• The Colorado Avalanche signed forward Gavin Brindley to a two-year contract extension worth a reported $1.75 million. He has three goals and five points in 14 games this season.

• Leo Carlsson scored his 11th goal of the season against the Avalanche last night. He became the youngest player in Anaheim Ducks franchise history to score 100 career points, breaking the record held by Paul Kariya since 1996.

• NHL Birthday Roll Call, Nov. 12: Tony Currie, Mark Hunter, Bryan Little, Adam Larsson, Tomas Hertl, Elias Pettersson, Shane Pinto, and Samuel Honzek.