Collin Delia to Make Blackhawks Season Debut vs. Predators

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Pat Boadway | Last updated 1/1/22

The Chicago Blackhawks are a bit shorthanded in net upon returning to action against the Nashville Predators this afternoon. With goalie Marc-Andre Fleury and Kevin Lankinen in COVID-19 Protocol, Collin Delia gets his first start of the 2021-22 season.

Delia has been with the Chicago Blackhawks since 2017, appearing in 24 games total. In those games, he sports an 8-8-4 record, .905 career save percentage, and 3.63 goals-against average.

Collin Delia made history several weeks ago when he scored the first-ever goalie goal in Rockford IceHogs’ AHL history. It was a unique moment as even the broadcast team had to double-check who touched the puck last. The credit for the goal went, undoubtedly, to Delia.

Blackhawks Backup Goaltending

The Blackhawks will use Arvid Soderblom, who recently joined Chicago’s taxi squad, as Delia’s backup in Nashville. If Marc-Andre Fleury does not return from COVID-19 protocol, Soderblom could potentially get his first-ever NHL start Sunday vs. Calgary.

Collin Delia will start in goal this afternoon for the #Blackhawks with Arvid Soderblom as backup. Soderblom possible to start tomorrow in Chicago.

Derek King also said Marc-Andre Fleury (COVID protocol) could return to the team as soon as tomorrow, depending on test results.
— Carter Baum (@CarterBaum) January 1, 2022

The Blackhawks haven’t seen the ice since a 4-3 overtime loss against the Dallas Stars on Dec. 18. Due to postponements, Saturday will be their first game in two weeks. Collin Delia gets his first start of the season against a formidable Predators team that ranks third in the Central Division.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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