When the Blackhawks take the ice tonight in Dallas, there will be one player missing. No, not Jack Skille, who was traded to the Florida Panthers two days ago. Marian Hossa, suffering from the flu, is unlikely to play tonight.
The Blackhawks, meanwhile, will welcome new winger Michael Frolik, acquired in the deal with Florida. He says he's excited to be a Blackhawk:
For Frolik, Chicago is a fresh start. He scored 21 goals in each of the past two seasons, but had only eight with the Panthers before he was traded.
“I’ll be playing with different guys and a different system, so maybe it can help,” Frolik said. “For sure (the Panthers) expected goals from me in Florida. For sure the pressure was there. But it’s everywhere. Pressure will be here, too. There are so many guys (here) who can score goals, but I just want to help the team.”
As for selecting No. 67, which was also his number in Florida, Frolik said there was no special significance. Other than it’s not No. 68, the former number of the great Jaromir Jagr.
“When I got to America somebody told me I should pick out some big number,” he said. “No. 68 is untouchable, so I just went one lower.”
It's expected that Corey Crawford will be in goal again tonight. With the acquisition of goaltending prospect Alexander Salak in the deal, it's likely a sign that Marty Turco will be one-year-and-done with the Blackhawks.
Tonight's game begins at 7:30 p.m. CST and will be televised on CSN Chicago.