Mrázek’s injury opens door for goalie prospect
Blackhawks goalie Petr Mrázek left Friday night’s 4-3 overtime win against the Red Wings after two periods, and on Saturday the medical staff determined he suffered a groin strain, the same issue that plagued Mrázek last season with the Maple Leafs.
“They said it was encouraging today, but it’s going to be day to day,” coach Luke Richardson said after practice Saturday at Fifth Third Arena. “But fortunately they didn’t think it was as bad as they thought last night. He’ll be out for a bit.
The Hawks recalled Arvid Söderblom from Rockford late Friday and sent down defenseman Alec Regula.
“First of all, it’s sad that Mrázek got hurt,” Söderblom, 23, said. “It’s nothing you want, (but) it gives me an opportunity to be here. I’m thankful for that.”
Alex Stalock will start Sunday against the Kraken, but Söderblom said he’s ready to play in the NHL.
“Of course you want to be up here full time,” Söderblom said. “And I consider myself NHL-ready.
“I feel like I belong here. I belong at this level.”
Added Richardson: “I’ve seen goalies and defensemen especially come up too early and get shellshocked and never recover.”
Still, he didn’t bring up Söderblom just to cover himself in case Stalock gets injured.
“We’ll look at the week and see how taxing each game is, but definitely (Söderblom will) get into a game this week — at least one,” Richardson said.
Meanwhile, defenseman Jake McCabe made his season debut Friday at the United Center after receiving clearance in his recovery from offseason neck surgery.
“I feel good today,” McCabe said Saturday. “Felt good yesterday for the most part. Third period I felt a little fatigue but kind of as expected jumping right in like that.
“My injury is fine. It’s just more so the legs. You can’t replicate game speed no matter how much you skate in practice.”
McCabe played 16 minutes against the Red Wings and was paired with Caleb Jones, who likely will be swapped out for Filip Roos on Sunday.
“For the most part, I thought I handled it pretty well.,” McCabe said. “I’d like a couple plays back, but overall I liked my game.”