The last time Cal Petersen stepped onto the United Center ice here, it was the finale of his collegiate career at Notre Dame, a 6-1 loss to Denver in last year’s Frozen Four.
More than a year later, the goaltender returns to make his first NHL start, for the Kings, when they play the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.
A series of unfortunate injuries brought Petersen to this point. The situation actually grew worse Friday because Peter Budaj is ill and might not be able to serve as backup; the Kings were contemplating a recall.
But Petersen would have likely gotten the start anyway, and he will fulfill the hometown storyline, or at least home area.