So we wrote our game preview earlier with the knowledge that Roman Lyubimov would likely make his NHL debut in Chicago tonight, and ... OK, cool. You can argue it’s good, even.
Lyubimov was one of the better forwards in training camp among the bottom-six, and he certainly earned his spot on the team to start the season. You could understand deciding to sit him to start the year, however, particularly with Brayden Schenn out of the lineup for the first four games due to suspension. It’s early, you’re short a guy, and you want to go with those you know.