Duncan Keith was held out of the Chicago Blackhawks lineup on Tuesday due to illness, and with the mumps spreading throughout the National Hockey League, missing a game because of sickness raises eyebrows.
However, according to multiple reports from Chicago reporters, Blackhawks’ head coach Joel Quenneville said it’s “unlikely” Keith has the mumps, which has recently sidelined Sidney Crosby, the face of the NHL.
The Blackhawks defeated the Minnesota Wild by a final score of 5-3. Afterward, the Blackhawks re-assigned goalie Scott Darling to Rockford in the American Hockey League. However, it remains unclear right now when Chicago can expect Keith back in their lineup.
Asked if Keith would be ready next time #Blackhawks practiced, Q said, "we’re hoping that’s the case." #Blackhawks
— Tracey Myers (@Tramyers_NHL) December 17, 2014