Blackhawks Lose Kevin Lankinen to COVID Protocol

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Jonnie Nonnie | Last updated 12/31/21

As the Chicago Blackhawks prepare for their first game in two weeks, there are several questions surrounding their goalie situation. The team announced top netminder Marc-Andre Fleury entered COVID Protocol on Monday. On Friday afternoon, Kevin Lankinen joined Fleury in the protocol.

MEDICAL UPDATE: Goaltender Kevin Lankinen will not participate in practice today (COVID-19 Protocol).
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 31, 2021

Interim head coach Derek King doesn’t expect Fleury to travel with the team to Nashville. And even with the NHL shortening its isolation period, Lankinen entering protocol today will likely make him unavailable for the Hawks’ next three games.

Who Will Man The Net?

With the top two options sidelined, Collin Delia will likely see his first NHL action of the season when the Blackhawks visit Nashville on Saturday. The team recalled Delia from the AHL Rockford IceHogs when Fleury entered protocol. He owns a 4-4-1 record, 2.86 goals-against average, and a 90.7 save percentage in nine games for the IceHogs this season.

Below Delia on the depth chart, fellow Rockford netminder Arvid Soderblom is on the Blackhawks’ taxi squad. He would presumably back up Delia as things currently stand.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: