ANAHEIM, Calif. — Michal Kempny has been one of the Blackhawks’ steadiest defensemen this season, with rock-solid possession numbers and a big shot that he’s been using more often, even picking up his first two career assists in Calgary and Vancouver. But the Czech import sat for the second straight game on Friday, again replaced by veteran Michal Rozsival.
Joel Quenneville suggested it didn’t have much to do with Kempny’s play. On Wednesday in San Jose, it was more about just getting Rozsival in the lineup. On Friday, it was about sticking with a lineup that played well against the Sharks, albeit in a loss.
“I thought our defensive game was strong the other night,” Quenneville said. “Rozy’s played well, and we wanted to give him another shot.”
Rozsival has now played in three of the last four games after being a healthy scratch in eight straight. It’s only going to get tougher for Quenneville, as Trevor van Riemsdyk is expected to rejoin the team when it returns to Chicago.
Passing fancy
Brent Seabrook made a beautiful stretch pass to Patrick Kane to spring Kane and Artem Anisimov on a 2-on-1 that led to the game’s first goal. Seabrook also faked a slap shot before feeding Kane’s one-timer on the power play that made it 2-0.
“Couple great plays,” Kane said. “That was a great pass on the first one. Almost like a quarterback hitting a receiver down the field. … We expect him to make those plays and he’s been doing it for a long time.”
Roster report
Andrew Desjardins was the other healthy scratch, with Jordin Tootoo making his first appearance in four games. Tootoo only played 4:17, including just two shifts in the second period and none in the third.
Scott Darling is expected to start in goal Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings.
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Twitter: @marklazerus
