Blackhawks’ Isaak Phillips recalled from Rockford amid Vlasic injury concerns

Blackhawks’ Isaak Phillips recalled from Rockford amid Vlasic injury concerns


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NBC Sports Chicago

Chicago Blackhawks
defenseman Isaak Phillips has been recalled from the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs as the team awaits an update on the condition of Alex Vlasic, one of their defensemen.

Vlasic left Friday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second period due to an undisclosed injury and did not return to play.

Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson refrained from providing specific details about the injury, but mentioned the possibility of it being a “whiplash” incident and noted Vlasic’s imbalance on the ice.

Phillips has performed impressively in the AHL, recording a goal and assisting two others in five games this season. He has also gained experience in the NHL, accumulating a goal and four assists in 20 games.

Vlasic sustained his injury during the middle period of the game against the Golden Knights when he experienced a high hit from forward Brett Howden. The hit left Vlasic disoriented temporarily, requiring a brief period to regain his composure.

Richardson vigorously expressed his concerns to the referee regarding the potential blindside hit. It is difficult to disregard his viewpoint.

The Blackhawks are particularly sensitive to such hits as it was a hit of this nature that caused Taylor Hall to be out due to a shoulder injury, leaving him on the team’s injured reserve.

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