Blackhawks LW Viktor Stalberg benched for Game 1 against Detroit Red Wings

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

Coach Joel Quenneville says it's a "coach's decision" and Stalberg could get back on the ice at any point in the series. He says he has talked to Stalberg about the decision to bench him for Wednesday night's series opener.

Stalberg, one of the fastest skaters on the team, has been working outside of the top four lines in practice, so the move was not a complete surprise. But Stalberg had nine goals and 14 assists in 47 games this season, then had a big assist and a plus-2 rating while playing all five games in the first round against Minnesota.