Rarely-used Lepisto back in Hawks lineup

Playing opportunities have been few and far between for Sami Lepisto on a Blackhawks defense that runs eight deep.

But with Steve Montador missing Monday’s game against Edmonton with an upper body injury, Lepisto gets a chance to play for the first time since Dec. 11.

Lepisto has appeared in only 11 games all season and in just three of the last 19.

“It’s not easy,” said Lepisto, who signed a one-year contract as a free agent in July. “It’s tough to keep yourself motivated and keep yourself positive, but that’s what you have to to. When you get the shot and get on the ice you have to make the best of it.”

Lepisto has found it equally tough mentally and physically to stay ready to play.

“It’s frustrating, but I’ve always been pretty good getting my thoughts out of hockey once I leave the rink,” Lepisto said. “I work hard, but at the same time I can focus on other things too. Being in a great city like Chicago there’s always stuff to do and keep your thoughts happy, but obviously you’d rather be playing.”

Lepisto has played in 14 fewer games than Sean O’Donnell and eight fewer than John Scott.

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville appreciates how Lepisto has handled his in activity.

“It’s a tough spot to be in every day, trying to get excited about being in practice or a game,” Quenneville said. “Everybody wants to play and have some success and contribute to the team.

“His attitude has been fine because he works hard every day and in the extensive skates that they go through, he keeps pushing to keep his game ready. I have to commend him on how he has handled it.”

Second time around:Rookie winger Jimmy Hayes was eager for his second NHL game on Monday after getting the jitters of Friday#146;s debut against Detroit out of the way.#147;I just have to make sure I keep skating at all times and keep playing the body,#148; Hayes said. #147;The game is really fast, that#146;s obvious, so I just have to keep my feet moving.#148;And what did Joel Quenneville tell Hayes about what was expected of him?#147;He said just to be physical,#148; Hayes said.Done deals:The Hawks have signed 2011 first-round draft picks Mark McNeill and Phillip Danault to three-year entry level contracts.McNeill was selected 18th overall and Danault at No. 26.#147;They have bright futures,#148; Joel Quenneville said.Many scouts consider Danault the better prospect.Tip-ins: Sean O#146;Donnell was the Hawks#146; lone healthy scratch Monday ... Marcus Kruger missed his third straight game with concussion symptoms and still hasn#146;t skated since the day after Christmas.HKN24103513Phillip Danault, shown here after he was drafted in the first round by the Blackhawks last June, has signed a three-year contract with the club.Associated PressHKNHKN36012398Mark McNeill, a first-round draft pick by the Chicago Blackhawks last June, has signed a three-year contract, team officials announced Monday.Associated PressHKN