Ladd will play for Blackhawks in Game 1 vs. Blues

ST. LOUIS - Forward Andrew Ladd will play for the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center on Wednesday.
Ladd missed the morning skate after traveling back to Chicago to be with his wife for the possible birth of their third child. Ladd, who plays left wing on the top line, flew back to St. Louis and arrived in time to play. According to the Blackhawks, the baby was not delivered Wednesday.

Richard Panik, who skated in Ladd's spot during morning skate, is a healthy scratch.
The Blackhawks re-acquired Ladd from the Winnipeg Jets on Feb. 25 to play on a line with captain Jonathan Toews and right wing Marian Hossa.
"He's a big factor [on our line]," Hossa said. "Obviously [he has] lots of experience in the playoffs. Big body, he can go to the net, he can shoot the net, he can kill the penalties. So definitely a big part of this team."
Ladd, who helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010, had eight goals and 12 points in 19 games following the trade. He finished the regular season with 25 goals and 46 points in 78 games with the Jets and Blackhawks.