The Chicago Blackhawks have lost three games in a row and five of their last six overall, and head coach Jeremy Colliton is making some big changes to his lineup for Sunday’s game against the Calgary Flames.
The Blackhawks will bring forwards Chris Kunitz and Alexandre Fortin back into the mix, and will also draw defenseman Jan Rutta back into the lineup, according to Colliton.
Forwards Andreas Martinsen and John Hayden will be healthy scratches for the Blackhawks at the United Center, as will defenseman Erik Gustafsson.
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“No one’s happy with where we are,” Colliton said. “Everyone’s miserable when you’re playing in this situation. We have to find a way to turn it around. If the performance is better, the results will come, so that’s the focus.”
The Blackhawks have been badly outplayed early in games during their recent run of poor play, getting outscored 17-4 in their last six first periods.
Kunitz has been in and out of the Blackhawks’ lineup this season, with two assists in 20 games. Fortin has been slightly better, with three goals and three assists in 20 games.
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Rutta has been struggling badly with turnovers of late, but with Gustafsson also struggling at times, the Czech-born defenseman will get back into the lineup. He has two goals and four assists in 20 games this season.
Puck drop between the Blackhawks and Flames is set for 6 p.m. at the United Center, and the game will be televised on NBC Sports Chicago.
