When I posted yesterday about the Chicago Blackhawks sending center Vincent Hinostroza to Rockford, I mentioned that the Blackhawks could always intentionally play a man down instead of calling someone up in Hinostroza’s steed. Of course, that theory was quickly put to rest when Tanner Kero received a big-league nod.
But, actually, it wasn’t put to rest. I had forgotten the Blackhawks were already intentionally playing a man down entering the regular season, leaving them a spot to call up someone else if they so desired. As of last night, the Blackhawks were carrying 13 forwards, six healthy defensemen, two goaltenders and two injured defensemen in Duncan Keith and Michal Rozsival.