Following a 6-1 loss to the Nashville Predators yesterday, a game in which the Blackhawks had neither of Marc-André Fleury or Kevin Lankinen available, Chicago gets a bit of relief in net ahead of tonight’s game against the Calgary Flames. Announced this morning, the Blackhawks have activated Marc-André Fleury from COVID protocol, among other moves.
MEDICAL UPDATE: The #Blackhawks have activated goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (COVID-19 protocol) and assigned him to the active roster. pic.twitter.com/szHDjnpT1g
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 2, 2022
Fleury has been on COVID protocol for the past week following the Christmas Holiday break. He has led the Blackhawks in net this season with a 9-10-1 record, a 2.86 GAA, and a .913 save-percentage.
Although activating Fleury, he has not been on the ice since being placed in protocol. Rookie Arvid Söderblom will start tonight for the Blackhawks against the Flames. Söderblom made his NHL debut last night in relief of Collin Delia, making 15 saves on 18 shots. Delia started the game against Nashville, but was replaced following a rough first period, allowing three goals on seven shots faced. The Blackhawks reassigned him to the IceHogs today after activating Fleury.
Along with the moves involving the goaltenders, Chicago has also recalled Josiah Slavin from the Taxi Squad and assigned MacKenzie Entwistle to the Taxi Squad.