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Why Nick Schmaltz could be Blackhawks' second-line center

Nick Schmaltz centered Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane at Saturday’s scrimmage, scoring the team’s first goal and earning the approval of coach Joel Quenneville.

So is there a possibility Schmaltz’s shot at center comes on that second line?

“Could happen,” Quenneville said with a grin.

Whether you’re fluent in Q-speak or not, that one’s pretty clear. Schmaltz is off to a good start, has some experience under his belt at that spot from last season and may get more of a chance there now.

All of this is relative, of course. There’s a lot of time between now and October but Quenneville has liked what he’s seen with Kane and Schmaltz for two consecutive days.