CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks forward Viktor Stalberg could be a healthy scratch in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Detroit Red Wings, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said on Monday.
Stalberg wore a white jersey and did not skate on any of the team's top four lines during Monday's practice at Johnny's IceHouse West. He and Brandon Saad were not included in the top four lines during Saturday's practice, but Saad returned to the first line on Monday. Stalberg was replaced by Ben Smith on the third line on Monday.
Quenneville said Stalberg was healthy, but he wouldn't go into more detail about him. Quenneville said "we'll see" when asked whether Stalberg would play in Game 1.
Stalberg had one assist in five games against the Minnesota Wild during the first round. His assist came in Game 1. He had nine goals and 14 assists in 47 regular season games.
Quenneville said Saturday that Saad and Stalberg needed to play simpler hockey and utilize their speed more.
Veteran center Michal Handzus sat out Monday's practice with what Quenneville called a "maintenance day." He is expected to return to practice on Tuesday.