The Chicago Blackhawks will be coming home for two games on a higher note than when they left. They just might not have Dave Bolland in the lineup for those games.

The 'Hawks center has not been on the ice since Tuesday, when he was struck in the skate by a shot in Chicago's loss to St. Louis. That includes Thursday's 6-2 romp over the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he was held out of action due to the standard "lower body injury."

Based upon what I saw on TV Tuesday, Bolland's injury is more accurately located in the foot and ankle area.

There are unsubstantiated reports of Bolland wearing a walking boot Thursday. If that's the case, don't expect to see him on the United Center ice before the circus comes to town.

Bolland went to the locker room in the second period of the Blues game, but returned and finished the contest. Immediately following the game, he received a lot of attention from the training staff and did not practice Wednesday. Joel Quenneville took a wait-and-see attitude with Bolland's possible return Friday when the 'Hawks host Calgary.

Marcus Kruger, who moved up to the third line in Bolland's absence, figures to pick up more time, particularly on the penalty kill. This will be a big opportunity for the rookie center to reinforce the faith the organization has shown in his talent.

There's the obvious question of why Bolland was allowed to return to the game with an injury bad enough to sideline him for the following couple of days. We now must ask how serious this injury is and how long it will keep Bolland out of the lineup.

Unless Bolland is placed on injured reserve, don't expect Ben Smith or Brandon Pirri to be called up. Chicago has a full 23-man roster. If the 'Hawks were to waive Rostislav Olesz or John Scott, it might signal that Bolland will be missing more than a game or two.

If Bolland simply misses this abbreviated home stand, the 'Hawks can fill in for him in-house. If he is to be unavailable for the start of next week's circus trip, expect some roster moves.

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