Center John Madden won't play in the Blackhawks last two games for the NHL's break for the Winter Olympics. The Hawks host Atlanta on Saturday and visit Columbus on Sunday, then don't play again until March 2.
Madden suffered a lower body injury, believed to be to his left leg, in Tuesday's win over Dallas. Winger Ben Eager will also miss the weekend games with a lower body injury.
Coach Joel Quenneville will turn to Kris Versteeg as the replacement for Madden rather than go with Patrick Sharp, his usual choice when the Hawks are short at center. Quenneville doesn't want to break up the Sharp-Jonathan Toews-Patrick Kane line, which has been effective lately.
Only 13 players participated in Thursday's United Center workout, as Quenneville gave the six players on the roster who will participate in the Winter Olympics the day off. They're expected back for Friday's practice, and Quenneville will also name his starting goaltender then. Antti Niemi started the last two games, both victories.