Nick Schmaltz will skate on the top line alongside center Jonathan Toews and winger Patrick Kane when the Chicago Blackhawks visit the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday.
Schmaltz, the 2014 first-round pick for Chicago, finished Sunday’s game on the top line after replacing Richard Panik. The North Dakota product has one goal and two assists in 13 career NHL games. Playing on the top line with Kane and Toews should certainly increase his opportunity to add to those numbers.
The Hawks (9-3-1) come into the game as one of, if not the, hottest teams in the league, winning six consecutive games.