Marcus Kruger scored a goal in the Blackhawks' 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings.
Kruger has two goals and three points in his last two games. He's a bottom-six forward for the Blackhawks and isn't expected to consistently contribute from an offensive perspective.

Marcus Kruger scored the game-winning goal in Chicago's 5-1 victory Thursday night.
It was also Kruger's first goal of the 2013 playoffs. Perhaps his biggest role with the Blackhawks is as one of their penalty killing leaders, but he will also provide them with some secondary scoring.

The Chicago Blackhawks are a perfect 17-for-17 on the penalty kill in their last nine games.
The Blackhawks are fifth best in the NHL with an 85.6 percent efficiency after finishing 27th last season at 78.1 percent. A major reason for the improvement has been the play of Marcus Kruger as the 22-year-old has been terrific killing penalties. Kruger has now taken over the second line center job in the absence of Dave Bolland due to injury and has not looked out of place. He has only three goals and 12 points this season but has been one of the most valuable Blackhawks in the lineup.

Marcus Kruger continues to impress his everyone for his work centering the fourth line.
Kruger saw some time on the second line last season but has now comfortably made the switch to the fourth line. "He gives us that work ethic that you like," coach Joel Quenneville said. "He's got some quickness to his game. He's got a real good thought process as to where he is around the rink. As he gets a little bit more familiar with everything, it just increases his effectiveness." Kruger still has been able to put his offensive skills to use as he has three goals and 10 points this season.

Marcus Kruger has impressed the Chicago Blackhawks with his play on the fourth line.
Kruger saw a lot of time as a top-six forward last season but the sophomore has done such a good job on the fourth unit, the Blackhawks may not want to move him up the depth chart. "He's fearless," captain Jonathan Toews said. "He's protecting the puck, he's playing against their top lines, he's killing penalties. He's doing everything right. He's focusing on all the little details. When you do that, you get breaks and things go in your favor." He is worth keeping an eye on if the Blackhawks think he deserves top six minutes.

Marcus Kruger notched a goal and an assist in the Blackhawks' 4-1 win over the Sharks on Friday night.
The 22-year-old isn't at the point where he's really relevant in fantasy leagues, as he just has six points on the season. Niklas Hjalmarsson also had a two-point night witha goal and an assist. Andrew Shaw potted the other, his third of the season. Duncan Keith and Jamal Mayers had two helpers apiece.

Marcus Kruger's defensive abilities have impressed Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville.
"He's been outstanding," Quenneville said of Kruger. "There are a lot of guys I can say that about. But 'Krugs' has a purpose to his game. I like his thought process and that's helped his game as well." Kruger is serving as a bottom-six forward and probably won't do much offensively this season. Consequently, he's one of those guys that's far more valuable to his team than your fantasy squad.

Marcus Kruger has settled in nicely as the Blackhawks fourth line pivot.
The 22-year-old had some time last season on the second line and managed nine goals and 26 points in 71 games, but this season has seen him between Brandon Bollig and Michael Frolik. "My main focus is to try and get better every day," Kruger said. "I want to take another step and contribute even more than last year. I want to play that two-way game and maybe contribute more in the offensive zone." We can't recommend Kruger at this time as he will not get power play time, but the organization is quite pleased with him.

Marcus Kruger (flu) skated with the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.
Kruger missed two days during the illness. Unfortunately that accounts for a big chunk of training camp under the shortened schedule.

Marcus Kruger (flu) is feeling better and could return to the ice Wednesday.
This year's flu season has been one of the worst in recent memory, sidelining players across every major sport for days on end. If Kruger returns Wednesday, it might take him a day or two to get back to full strength, but we expect him to be ready to play in Saturday's opener.

Marcus Kruger missed practice on Monday due to the flu.
The flu is running rampant through the Chicago area so do not be surprised if other members of the Blackhawks come down with the ailment. Kruger may not be able to return Tuesday but hopefully will be well enough to start the opener on Saturday. He had 26 points in 71 NHL games last season and is expected to improve on that this season.