CHICAGO - Blackhawks forwards Kris Versteeg and Joakim Nordstrom were active for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, replacing Antoine Vermette and Teuvo Teravainen in a bit of surprise.

Chicago is coming off a triple-overtime victory at Anaheim on Tuesday night, and the insertion of Versteeg and Nordstrom puts two fresh players in the lineup. But Vermette is a strong performer in the faceoff circle, and Teravainen is one of the team's most promising young players.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville praised Versteeg at the morning skate Thursday. He said he "had a great week of practicing," and said he expected to play him in the series.

Versteeg hasn't played since Chicago's clinching Game 6 in the first round against Nashville. Nordstrom last played in Game 2 against the Predators.