Defenseman de Haan makes his Chicago Blackhawks debut
Defenseman Calvin de Haan, who missed the season's first two games with a groin injury, made his season debut during the Chicago Blackhawks' 3-2 overtime loss to Winnipeg on Saturday night at the United Center.
The seven-year veteran admitted beforehand that his game isn't "the sexiest thing out there" but he expected to help stabilize a defense and penalty kill that surrendered 9 goals in losses to Philadelphia and San Jose.
"I'm just going to try and be myself," said de Haan, who was acquired for goalie Anton Forsberg and D-man Gustav Forsling in the off-season. "Just try and get the puck out of our end and just defend hard and move the puck up to our forwards."
De Haan, who was paired with Erik Gustafsson, saw 18 minutes of ice time.
He had his moments, deflecting a Nikolaj Ehlers shot with 10 seconds remaining in the first period, and helping kill a Winnipeg power play during the second period.
The Jets' game-tying goal in the third period, however, came when a pass slid behind de Haan and right to Andrew Copp in front of the net. Copp tapped it home to make it 2-2 with 8:16 remaining.
"I was trying to lean out to the slot," de Haan said. "Didn't see him. I don't know. It is what it is. Sometimes it just takes a little communication from everybody. … You don't want to give that up obviously. It's a learning point."
Dach to Rockford:
The Hawks activated Kirby Dach (concussion) and assigned the forward to Rockford. Dach, the third overall pick in the June draft, made his pro debut during the IceHogs' 4-2 loss to Grand Rapids in Rockford.
Dach's conditioning stint can last two weeks.
"We think he can help us," coach Jeremy Colliton said. "So we're trying to set him up and give him the best opportunity so that when he does get the chance here, he'll be as ready as he can be. It's a good league down there and a chance for him to get his feet wet against men. …
"I'm excited. Hopefully he can gain confidence down there and be ready to help us."
Nylander sits:
Alexander Nylander, whom the Hawks acquired from Buffalo for Henri Jokiharju in July, was a healthy scratch against Winnipeg on Saturday. Nylander had started the Hawks' first two games, skating on the top line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
"He's a young player. He's going to keep getting better," coach Jeremy Colliton said. "It's up to us to give him the feedback he needs, but we expect him to help us win."
Brendan Perlini, who slotted in for Nylander, skated on the fourth line with Zack Smith and Ryan Carpenter.
Jokiharju has played in all five games for 4-0-1 Buffalo, averaging just more than 17 minutes.