"Playing without the services of their top defenseman as they begin a difficult stretch of the schedule isn't ideal for the Blackhawks, but that's where they find themselves with Duncan Keith sidelined with a hand injury.

Keith will not be in the lineup when the Hawks kick off a two-game trip against the Panthers on Thursday night at the BankAtlantic Center. The veteran suffered the injury when he was struck in the left hand with a shot during the second period of Monday 5-4 overtime victory over the Predators."