Viktor Stalberg News

Detroit Red Wings' Brendan Smith controls the puck past Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane during the third period of Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Western Conference semi-finals in Chicago, Saturday, May 18, 2013.

After a two-game absence, Blackhawks forward Viktor Stalberg rejoined the third line during practice Sunday and is “likely playing” in Game 3 against Detroit, coach Joel Quenneville said.

For all of the supposed depth the Chicago Blackhawks possess throughout their talented lineup, such didn't seem to be the case Saturday as they were thumped by their biggest rivals in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

May 18, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford makes a save as defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson battles for positioning with Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk in the second period of game two of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.

Chicago Blackhawks vs Detroit Redwings Blackhawks lead series 1-0 12 pm United Center - Chicago IL TV: NBC Radio: 97.9 FM The Loop The Blackhawks are looking for more of the same from we saw out of a dominating Game 1 performance.

After waiting for the NHL lockout to end and playing only 48 games instead of the usual 82, the Chicago Blackhawks stormed through the season winning their first 24 games without a regulation or overtime loss.

Before Game 1 of the Chicago Blackhawks' series with the Detroit Red Wings, head coach Joel Quenneville wanted to send a message to several of his players whose performance he was dissatisfied with.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is a finalist for the NHL's coach of the year award.

It happens each year in the playoffs: there are players not only fighting for the Stanley Cup, but to upgrade their own hockey future because they are scheduled to become free agents this summer.

In a season that has been nothing short of magical thus far, the Chicago Blackhawks showed Wednesday that they still have a few more tricks left up their sleeve.

Apr 13, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; A view of empty seats at RFK stadium where D.C. United is hosting the New York Red Bulls.

The time for talk will finally come to an end on Wednesday night when the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings do battle at the United Center.

Forward Viktor Stalberg will not play in Game 1 of the Chicago Blackhawks' second-round playoff series against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night.

The top of the list includes Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. Patrick Sharp is coming off another great playoff series, and Bryan Bickell and Dave Bolland have come up with big postseason goals in the past.

The biggest question mark, however, is Viktor Stalberg. The winger had what could be termed a lackluster first round of the playoffs, notching only one assist and no goals in five games.

There's a lot of talk going into Game 1 between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks surrounding whether or not Viktor Stalberg would find a seat in the press box after a lackluster first-round series.

May 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Viktor Stalberg skates with the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.

The Blackhawks and Red Wings got a somewhat unexpected extra day of rest, thanks to the NHL playoff schedulers.

The Blackhawks played as well as they had to against an injury depleted Minnesota Wild team in the first round.

Blackhawks rookie Brandon Saad wasn't happy with his Round 1 performance and may have gotten a message about that Saturday, so he talked about improvements for Round 2. The first sign something was amiss Saturday was a white jersey, usually reserved for injured players or scratches-to-be, hanging in his stall.