Blackhawks’ Kris Versteeg relieved to be rolling again Blackhawks’ Kris Versteeg relieved to be rolling again

Kris Versteeg took a Brad Richards pass off the boards and wheeled around toward the net. Ottawa’s Erik Karlsson, the 2012 Norris Trophy winner as the league’s best defensemen, stood between him and the crease. Versteeg faked going to his right, then swooped to his left, leaving Karlsson flat-footed and helpless as he slipped right by. A quick deke later, Versteeg had similarly undressed goaltender Craig Anderson and slipped the puck in on the far side for a goal.

It was a dazzling play on a pair of brilliant moves — two moves Versteeg might not have had the ability, nor the confidence, to make last season.

“He’s playing great,” Patrick Kane said. “He might be one of our best players right now.”