Versteeg Active For Blackhawks in Game 3

CHICAGO (AP) — Blackhawks forwards Kris Versteeg and Joakim Nordstrom were active for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, replacing Antoine Vermette and Teuvo Teravainen in a bit of surprise.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville praised Versteeg at the morning skate Thursday. He said he “had a great week of practicing,” and said he expected to play him in the series.

Versteeg hasn’t played since Chicago’s clinching Game 6 in the first round against Nashville. Nordstrom last played in Game 2 against the Predators.