The Blackhawks will be the next team to return from sports’ coronavirus hiatus.
The Hawks face the St. Louis Blues in Edmonton at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in their only exhibition game before starting the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Oilers on Saturday.
‘‘It’s really important for the players to get their timing back and just the routine of playing a regular game — all things you take for granted as you go through a normal season,’’ coach Jeremy Colliton said.
The Hawks will be competing in the NHL’s Western Conference bubble in Edmonton. The Eastern Conference bubble is in Toronto.
The hiatus actually provided a second chance for the Blackhawks, who likely would not have qualified for the postseason under normal circumstances.
The Hawks will probably use a normal lineup in the preseason game.
‘‘We’ve only got one [exhibition], so there’s definitely some urgency to get everyone in,’’ Colliton said. ‘‘[We’ll] use this game as an opportunity to remember how we’re supposed to play . . . and get the summer hockey out of your game. Because come Saturday, that’s not going to get it done. We’ll play a very detailed, structured, disciplined game.’’
How to watch Wednesday’s Blackhawks-Blues exhibition game
Time: 5:30 p.m. CT
TV: NBCSCH+, NBCSCH app
Blackhawks-Oilers playoffs schedule
All times Central
Game 1: Saturday Aug. 1, 2 p.m., NBC
Game 2: Monday Aug. 3, 9:30 p.m. NBCSCH
Game 3: Wednesday Aug. 5, 9:30 p.m. NBCSCH
Game 4: (if necessary) Friday Aug. 7, time and TV TBD
Game 5: (if necessary) Aug. 8, time and TV TBD
