The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Wednesday that depth forward Mike Hardman is sidelined with a head laceration suffered during Tuesday night’s 4–1 loss to the New York Islanders at the United Center.
Hardman sustained the injury on a hit from the Islanders’ Matt Martin during the third period. Hardman had leaned forward along the boards, and Martin made contact, driving Hardman’s head and neck into the glass. Hardman was visibly shaken following the hit, struggling to get off the ice before missing the remainder of the contest.
Matt Martin ▶️▶️▶️ Mike Hardman #HFhits
Martin hits him Hard, man. Jujhar Khaira steps up for his new teammate.
Link to the fight in the QT https://t.co/LE3sunHChr pic.twitter.com/tryZ5GN5Bv
— hockeyfights (@hockeyfights) October 20, 2021
Head Coach Jeremy Colliton announced on Wednesday that Hardman will miss the Blackhawks’ Thursday night matchup against the Vancouver Canucks, though the extent of the injury is still being determined.
Mike Hardman (head laceration) won’t play tomorrow. Jeremy Colliton said they’re still deciding whether Dylan Strome or someone else will draw into the lineup.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) October 20, 2021
Hardman was recalled from the Rockford IceHogs on Monday and drew into the lineup against the Islanders for his first Blackhawks action of the season, registering 9:54 of ice time.
The Blackhawks’ duel with the Canucks on Thursday features a 7:30 p.m. CDT puck drop at the United Center.