It didn’t take defenseman Chris McAlpine long to celebrate his return to the Blackhawks’ lineup.
After missing five games because of a mild shoulder separation, McAlpine was back on the United Center ice Friday and assisted on the first goal against Edmonton. McAlpine made the pass that sprung center Steve Dubinsky for his breakaway goal at 7:14 of the first period.
Fellow defenseman Alexander Karpovtsev, who had arthroscopic surgery to remove damaged cartilage from his right knee Dec. 20, was expected back but decided against it following the morning skate. Winger Valeri Zelepukin (groin injury) also remained on the injured list.
Homeward bound: Less than two hours after Team Canada lands in Toronto on Saturday afternoon after winning the bronze medal at the world junior championships in Russia, captain Steve McCarthy will board a plane to Chicago to rejoin the Hawks.
McCarthy, the Hawks’ first-round selection in the 1999 draft, had been a healthy scratch for 12 consecutive games before going to the tournament. Before that stretch that began in mid-November, McCarthy had been a regular in the lineup.
“I’m ready to go back and play,” the defenseman told the Toronto Sun. “[General Manager] Mike Smith and I sat down before I left and he said it would be good for me to come here, to be a guy the team would look up to. He was right.
“I didn’t have a lot of confidence but that has changed. I feel good about myself.”
According to Toronto Sun reporter Terry Koshan, McCarthy “emerged as the heart and soul of the Canadian team.”
Smith said McCarthy will be added to the Chicago roster Monday. However, the Hawks GM still is considering sending the defenseman to Norfolk for two weeks. If Smith makes that move, he will either have to keep McCarthy with the Hawks for the remainder of the season or send the rookie back to his Junior team, Kootenay of the Western Junior Hockey League.
His return and the reactivation of McAlpine and Karpovtsev from the disabled list will give the Hawks 10 defensemen.
Waived: Smith said he put center Mark Janssens on waivers Thursday. If no team claims the veteran center by Saturday, he will be sent to Norfolk. Playing on the fourth line, Janssens has failed to tally a goal or assist in 28 games with the Hawks.
Spectators: Left wing Dean McAmmond and defensemen Kevin Dean and Nolan Baumgartner were healthy scratches for Friday’s game.
Visiting: Before the game, Tampa Bay Lightning coach Steve Ludzik was swapping stories about “the good old days” with two former Hawks teammates, current assistant coach Denis Savard and radio/TV analyst Bill Gardner.
