Mark Bernard, the Hawks' general manager of minor league affiliations, was in net for Thursday's practice at the United Center ... because Antti Niemi is still "quarantined" with an illness.
"He was impressive," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said with a smile. "He was very excited about the chance to get in there."
Starter Cristobal Huet will be in there Friday against the Phoenix Coyotes. Quenneville said Niemi should be healthy enough to back him up.
Line changes loom
As we all know by now, Dave Bolland's return means there will be changes among the Hawks' top forwards.
Here are some line combinations from Thursday's practice to think about:
Andrew Ladd -- Patrick Sharp -- Marian Hossa (the second line for most of the year)
Kris Versteeg -- Sharp -- Dustin Byfuglien (definitely has potential)
Ladd -- Bolland -- Hossa (Sharp or Ladd on this line could make it very productive)
Leave a comment