Chicago's Hossa questionable against Cup champs

CHICAGO -- Marian Hossa did not participate in the morning skate Saturday for the Chicago Blackhawks and was classified as a "game-time decision" by coach Joel Quenneville against the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins.

Hossa, 31, also missed practice Friday because of an upper-body injury that Quenneville expects to be "very short term."

Hossa, who's missed a total of 42 games since joining the Hawks in 2010, is off to another good start after tallying a goal and two assists in three games while playing right wing on the second line next to center Patrick Kane.

Kane, who was moved to center in training camp, hadn't spent much time on the ice at the same time as Hossa prior to the move. It's been working out great so far, though -- with the pair of slick playmakers setting their line up for good scoring chances on almost every shift of a 4-3 win Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets.

Forward Viktor Stalberg skated in Hossa's place Saturday morning and could play there if Hossa can't go. Stalberg's also been out since the preseason with a minor knee injury and could play on the fourth line if Hossa does play.

"I've been playing with (Hossa) for the past couple weeks now and developed a little bit of chemistry," Kane told NHL.com. "Right now, you'd like to see him in, because we played pretty well last game. So, it just seems like we're starting to hit our stride. I was talking to him this morning and hopefully it's one of those things where if he takes off a night it's better for him for the whole season."

Kane said Stalberg's speed could also mix well with his own playmaking skill.

"Viktor's obviously very fast, so it's kind of the same thing," Kane said. "I'll try to get him the puck in good areas and hopefully he can win some pucks back for us."

Boston's top center, David Krejci, is also out. He didn't make the trip after injuring a core muscle in practice earlier this week, while defenseman Adam McQuaid (upper body) was ruled out for this game on Friday by coach Claude Julien.

Matt Bartkowski will likely dress in place of McQuaid.

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