Defensemen Keith Carney and Karl Dykhuis joined the Blackhawks here Thursday. But coach Darryl Sutter gave no guarantees the minor-league recalls from Indianapolis would play Friday night against the Oilers.
One reason for the moves is defenseman Chris Chelios faces a possible suspension Friday, either for eye-gouging or as a result of getting a third game misconduct as part of his match penalty Thursday in Vancouver for aggressions against Dana Murzyn.
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The defense’s play has been shaky of late, and Sutter may want to use one of the callups to replace someone else. Carney seems to be rated ahead of Dykhuis at the present time and will get the nod if Sutter can pick just one to play.
“I’m told he’s been their best defenseman,” Sutter said. “If there is no suspension, we’ll probably keep one and send the other guy back.”
Road kills: Sutter lamented the differences in some players’ performances on the road as opposed to home. He pointed to the fact defenseman Steve Smith, a minus-5 in the 6-4 loss to the Canucks, is a minus-9 in 20 road games compared to being a plus-3 in 26 at home.
“And how Jocelyn Lemieux can have one point (a goal) on the road in 23 games and 14 points (nine goals) at home in 26 games is a mystery to me,” Sutter said. “I don’t understand it.”
Coming soon: Ed Belfour will start against Edmonton, but Sutter said backup goalie Jeff Hackett will play one of the next two games-Sunday afternoon in Anaheim or Tuesday night against San Jose in Sacramento. Hackett hasn’t played since Jan. 11, a 5-2 loss to Buffalo. Sutter may go with Hackett Sunday, because the methodical Belfour has had problems in the past getting ready to play matinees.