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Blackhawks announce Seabrook's injury; put Toews, Dach on LTIR

The Blackhawks announced Thursday Brent Seabrook has a lower back injury and that he will remain on injured reserve.

The team also placed centers Jonathan Toews (illness) and Kirby Dach (wrist) on long-term injured reserve.

Coach Jeremy Colliton said Seabrook has not resumed skating. There is no timetable for the veteran's return.

As for Toews, the Hawks' captain announced shortly before training camp began he is dealing with an undisclosed illness. His absence has been felt on and off the ice by a team that is trying to become a consistent winner once again.

"He's an excellent player," Colliton said. "Plays all situations for us. Obviously (miss) his leadership - everything. ...

"At the same time, we don't have him so we've got to find a way to improve as a group; find a way to get it done. We miss him and there's a hole that clearly (needs to) be filled."

The Hawks dropped their season opener 5-1 at Tampa Bay Wednesday and have a rematch with the Lightning Friday. With Toews and Dach out it opens the door for plenty of others to step up and make a name for themselves.

"It (stinks) - obviously we'd like to have both of those guys playing down the middle for us right now," defenseman Calvin de Haan said. "It's part of the game and something the team can't control. It's just gonna be a good chance for someone else to hopefully become a mainstay and a top player for us this season."

Dylan Strome, Lucas Wallmark, Pius Suter and David Kampf centered the four lines in the opener. Strome scored the Hawks' only goal, but it came late in the third period with the outcome already decided.

He said it: "Everyone was pretty chipper talking and in a good mood. Maybe it was vitamin D hitting our skin." Calvin de Haan after Thursday's practice

He said it II: "They're still in their sockets, so that's all that matters." Calvin de Haan on his shoulders. He's dislocated them three times in his career.

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