Injury report: Top player out of action tonight

The Chicago Blackhawks will take on the Minnesota Wild tonight, and will likely be without the services of Nick Schmaltz.

Schmaltz fell to injury during his second game with the Hawks, after posting an impressive 2 goals and adding an assist in his first game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He's proven himself to be a valuable asset to Chicago - a solid top 6 center whose speed complements the skill of winger Patrick Kane.

His absence has been very notable in the games he's missed, and by all accounts he will miss another.

There is some good news here, though.

Fans and the team alike will hope the young gun finds his way back to the lineup this weekend.

Chicago is 3-0-1 through 4 games this season.