Blackhawks place D Franson on IR with upper-body injury

CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks have placed defenceman Cody Franson on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.

Franson has missed Chicago's last two games. The Blackhawks also lost defenceman Jan Rutta to an upper-body injury in the second period of Tuesday night's 3-2 overtime win against Florida.

Defenceman Ville Pokka was promoted from Rockford of the American Hockey League on Wednesday. The 23-year-old Pokka had three goals and nine assists in 26 games with the IceHogs.

Chicago has won three in a row heading into Thursday night's game at Winnipeg.

The Associated Press