The Hawks will gain a pair of reinforcements when they visit the nation's capital.
When the Chicago Blackhawks return to action Thursday, two injured players will be back with the team. Defenseman Andreas Englund and goalie Petr Mrazek are expected to join the team for a matchup with the Washington Capitals.
Englund has been out of action since March 7 due to a pulled hamstring. The Blackhawks acquired him in a Feb. 26 trade that sent Jack Johnson to the Colorado Avalanche. The 27-year-old blueliner did not record a point in five games with Chicago before suffering the hamstring injury.
When Andreas Englund reenters the lineup, the Blackhawks will likely continue shuffling young defensemen. Expect him to replace Ian Mitchell, who struggled mightily Monday against Colorado, on the back end.
Petr Mrazek last appeared on March 14 against the Boston Bruins. He stopped all 16 shots he saw before exiting the game in the second period due to a groin injury. In 33 games this season, Mrazek owns an 8-19-3 record, 3.63 goals-against average, and .895 save percentage.
Petr Mrazek will rejoin Alex Stalock in the Blackhawks' goalie room, which likely means Anton Khudobin will head back to the Rockford IceHogs.
Thursday's puck drop between the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals is at 6 PM CT and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
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