The Chicago Blackhawks will get a boost on the blue line for Friday's game against the Montreal Canadiens. Kevin Korchinski and Jarred Tinordi are set to return to the lineup after multi-game absences.
Kevin Korchinski
Korchinski missed six games due to a family matter. Sadly, his father passed away last week.
The rookie defenseman returned to Chicago earlier this week and participated in practices to get back into the swing of things. After sitting out Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche , Korchinski slotted in on the third defensive pairing with Nikita Zaitsev during Friday's morning skate.
In his first NHL season, the 19-year-old has seven points (two goals, five assists) through 25 games. His return to action will provide a boost on an injury-depleted Blackhawks' blue line that had defaulted to Zaitsev as its primary offensive puck mover due to patchwork personnel.
Jarred Tinordi
Tinordi last played on Dec. 5 against the Nashville Predators before entering concussion protocol. The Blackhawks eventually placed him on injured reserve and he missed seven games.
After ramping back up this week, Tinordi skated on the second pair with rookie Louis Crevier during Friday's morning skate. The rugged defenseman is hoping for a better streak of health this time around. Tinordi has appeared in just 12 games for the Blackhawks so far this season.
Korchinski, Tinordi, and the Blackhawks are in for an Original Six matchup when the Canadiens visit the United Center on Friday. Puck drop is at 7:30 PM CT and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago and NBC 5 Chicago.
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