Ice time’s up for Seabrook

MONTREAL — During the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs, when the Blackhawks essentially were down to a four- man defensive rotation, Brent Seabrook played 26 minutes, 17 seconds a night, trailing only Duncan Keith’s preposterous 31: 06.

‘‘ That playoffswasawhole other beast,’’ Seabrook said. ‘‘ But you’re sort of just in it and playing, and you find a groove. It was fun.’’

Well, Seabrook has been having a lot of fun again, playing more minutes than he has since thatmemorable playoff run. Since being reunited withKeith on Feb. 26, Seabrook has averaged 24: 18 — up from21: 47 before that. Three or four extra shifts a night might not sound like much, but it makes quite a bit of difference.

‘‘ You notice it, for sure,’’ Seabrook said. ‘‘ But you’re never going to complain about more ice time. It’s good. It gets you in the game, and you don’t really have time to think about much.’’

But it likely won’t last. After reuniting Keith and Seabrook for six- plus games, coach Joel Quenneville split them up Tuesday against the Canadiens. Keith was back with Niklas Hjalmarsson, and Seabrook was with Johnny Oduya.

Quenneville originally wanted Oduya and Hjalmarsson to assume the shutdown role they had in the past, but the fact the Hawks gave up 44 shots on goal in a victory Sunday against the Wild didn’t sit well with Quenneville.

Quenneville is comfortable with Seabrook playing big minutes, if necessary, but he rather would have more balance and less of a burden on the back end.

‘‘ I’m sure he likes playing a little more, as well,’’ Quenneville said. ‘‘ With Johnny Oduya, there’s a little more balance and [ icetime] distribution, as well. We’ll see if those minutes are down. We’re going to change the pairs a little and see how that works out.’’