Thursday, April 21, 2011Posted: 2:26 p.m.Updated: 2:52 p.m.
By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com
VANCOUVER, British ColumbiaThe Blackhawks hoped defenseman Brent Seabrook could return for Game 5 tonight against the Vancouver Canucks. This morning, they found out that wont happen.
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Seabrook will miss his second consecutive game after taking a hit to the head in Game 3. John Scott will once again take his place in the lineup.
Hes day to day and there was a chance he couldve played but we found out today hes not, said coach Joel Quenneville. When asked if Seabrook underwent concussion protocol tests this morning, Quenneville added hes just not ready to go so well leave it at that.
Defensemen Duncan Keith and Niklas Hjalmarsson did not skate this morning but are playing tonight.
The Blackhawks used Seabrooks absence for some motivation in their 7-2 victory over Vancouver on Tuesday. The remaining defensemen took on the extra responsibility and filled the Seabrook void well. Still, theres no doubt his work is missed.
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Hes been one of our best defensemen all year and its not easy and fun to be missing a guy like that, Jonathan Toews. It doesnt change our game plan. We just adapt to it. Well be ready for whatever the situation is.
The Blackhawks will need that complete-game effort again if they once again want to stave off elimination tonight.
Top guys quiet
Several of the Blackhawks big guns are still looking for their first goals in this series, including Toews, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. Toews said it wasnt for lack of chances.
I cant complain about opportunities Im getting, be it 5-on-5 or power plays, he said. When youre fighting against (Ryan) Kesler and Sedin lines they wont want to give you too much. At the same time we have to find a way to generate something. Kaner and I have had plenty of chances. We cant wait any longer. We wont force it but well keep working hard.
Kane called himself out after Game 3 for not scoring on some big opportunities, including an early 5-on-3 power play.
I just think that if you look back two games ago, Toewser and Kaner and that line had several quality chances, Quenneville said. Usually when the chances are there, the top players find a way to break out. The power plays been OK but 5-on-5 we need production from these guys.
Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.