Crawford returns to action for Blackhawks against Avs

The Blackhawks will contest their final game before a three-day holiday break on Friday against the Colorado Avalanche. Chicago had a five-game win streak snapped on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss to Ottawa. Artemi Panarin tallied his sixth power-play goal of the season to extend his point streak to six games, matching a career long, but the penalty kill allowed two goals and the team wasn't able to make late pressure count; Marcus Kruger failed to convert a third-period penalty shot earned on a shorthanded opportunity. The regulation loss was just the third the team has suffered this season, as they continue to share the conference lead with 13 victories at home.
Despite the loss, the Blackhawks got a boost after the game as Corey Crawford was activated from IR, and Head Coach Joel Quenneville confirmed on Thursday that he would get the start on Friday against the Avs.

KID KERO
The Blackhawks may have gotten Crawford back, but they are now down two veteran forwards after Marian Hossa left Tuesday's game early; Quenneville ruled him and Artem Anisimov (now on IR) out for Friday's contest. Filling out the forward ranks will be 24-year-old Tanner Kero, who played 17 regular-season games last season, compiling a goal and two assists. At the time he was called up, Kero led the Rockford IceHogs with 20 points (7G, 13A) in 28 games, including a goal and an assist on seven shots on goal in a 6-2 win over the Chicago Wolves on Wednesday. In 94 total American Hockey League games, the Michigan native has 64 points with an even split between goals and assists. He'll skate on Chicago's fourth line and could take some shifts on the penalty kill, as he did last season.
CENTER OF ATTENTION
Despite Colorado's struggles, there's no arguing against the team's talent up front, and the team's offensive efforts have been anchored by former second-overall pick Matt Duchene, who is capable of singlehandedly knifing through opposing defense with his speed and skating prowess. He leads the Avs with 12 goals and 22 points in 27 games this season, but after being held without a point on Thursday, he's still seeking his 400th NHL point, with just one more needed to reach the milestone. Before the loss to Toronto, Duchene had compiled five points (2G, 3A) over a four-game streak, and he has 25 points (9G, 16A) in 27 career matchups against Chicago.
NOTABLE ABSENCES
CHI: Artem Anisimov (IR), Marian Hossa (upper body)
COL: Erik Johnson (leg)
LINES

Panarin -- Toews -- Kane
Hartman -- Hinostroza -- Motte
Rasmussen -- Kruger -- Panik
Desjardins -- Kero --Tootoo

Keith -- Hjalmarsson
Campbell -- Seabrook
Forsling -- van Riemsdyk

Crawford
Darling