Amid all the excitement in the Blackhawks’ season-opening beatdown of the Penguins, forwards Nick Schmaltz and Tanner Kero left the game with injuries. The big concern here in particular is with Schmaltz, who tweaked his left knee and couldn’t walk back to the locker room under his own power.
Schmaltz had been a revelation against Pittsburgh before the injury with two goals and an assist. He looks to be on the brink of a breakout season with the Blackhawks, assuming it’s not derailed by health problems.
The injury occurred in the third period with the Hawks already leading 9-1.