Blackhawks’ Hjalmarsson Can’t Talk, But He’ll Play In Game 3

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 04: of the Chicago Blackhawks of the Minnesota Wild in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 4, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson was injured after taking a puck around the throat area in Game 2 on Sunday. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

(CBS) Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson took a puck to the throat area in his team’s win against the Wild in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series, and he’s feeling the effects of it.

Hjalmarsson will play in Game 3 tonight, but for his own good, he’s currently not speaking, according to reports from beat writers. Chicago leads the best-of-seven series 2-0.

Could be a couple of weeks before #Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson will be cleared to talk but will play in Game 3 vs. Wild.

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Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) May 06, 2014

Quenneville said Hjalmarsson can’t speak, but he will play.

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Scott Powers (@ESPNChiPowers) May 06, 2014

Hjalmarsson playing, but he's unable to speak right now. #Blackhawks

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Tracey Myers (@TramyersCSN) May 06, 2014

#Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson is not medically cleared to talk after taking puck to throat in Game 2.

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Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) May 06, 2014

#Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson appears to be wearing some sort of protective device on his neck during morning skate.

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Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) May 06, 2014

Hockey, man. Hockey.