The Blackhawks acquired Henrik Karlsson in a trade with the Calgary Flames on January 21, and was immediately placed on the Rockford Ice Hogs’ roster. The goalie, a 29 year-old veteran who has played for Calgary after starting his career in his native Sweden, and has had a .904 Save% in minimal playing time over the last two years
With Ray Emery giving up four goals in his only appearance on the season while also dealing with hip problems, the move might mean Karlsson will need to step up in the near-future.
The lockout shortened season also means a condensed schedule with more back-to-backs than other seasons. Head Coach Joel Quenneville will definitely need strong play from his backups. “I’m sure that Ray is going to get at least a game. I don’t want to look too far ahead, but Corey has been deserving to keep it going. We’ll see how it goes,” he said in an interview with ESPN’s Scott Powers.
If Emery proves unable to stay with the top competition for that start and more starts in the future, Quenneville may need to give Karlsson the call to start. With a small price paid to acquire him, a seventh-round pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, any positive from the trade, whether it be through him winning or giving Emery a bit of motivation, will be especially appreciated.
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