The Blackhawks are back on home ice Wednesday night for the first time since Jan. 14 as they face the Blues at the United Center.
The teams have combined for 169 penalty minutes in the two previous meetings this season, including 107 in the Hawks' 6-3 victory Jan. 2 in St. Louis. The Hawks also won the first matchup of the season against the Blues, 3-0 on Dec. 16.
"They're a tough team to play against," said Hawks winger Patrick Sharp, who has 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 28 career games against the Blues. "They play very physical (and) like to mix it up. I know they aren't happy with where they are in the standings. Every time we play them we know it's a challenge and we seem to raise our game to match their intensity and we need to do that tonight on home ice."
Cristobal Huet will get the start in goal for the Hawks. Antti Niemi had been scheduled to play but is sidelined by an illness. The Hawks recalled Joe Fallon from Rockford of the American Hockey League to serve as Huet's backup.
Huet has both victories over the Blues this season and has a 1.75 goals-against average. In his career, Huet is 3-4-0 and 1.75 goals-against in eight all-time appearances against St. Louis.
Dave Bolland will return to action for the first time since Nov. 10 back surgery. He will center the fourth line alongside wingers Ben Eager and Tomas Kopecky.
Colin Fraser will be a healthy scratch for the first time this season.
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