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

(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.