Only one goal on Hossa's mind
SOUTH BEND - Somewhat lost amid the impressive debut of the Blackhawks' new second line during Friday's first scrimmages of training camp was the play of Marian Hossa and the top line.
Hossa only played in the first of two scrimmages held on the main rink at the University of Notre Dame's Compton Family Ice Arena, but he scored twice while playing right wing on a line with Patrick Sharp and center Jonathan Toews.
Hossa, 35, said he's feeling good after getting a full off-season of training. A year ago, a back injury incurred during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final flared up early in camp and caused him to miss most of the preseason.
"Last year in the beginning of training camp I felt it wasn't still good," Hossa said. "I had an extra shot in my back at the beginning of last training camp, so I missed a few days because of that. So far, it's been good. No complaints. Hopefully, it's going to stay that way."
The veteran right wing only missed 10 games in the regular season last year, scoring 30 goals to go with 30 assists, before adding 14 points in the playoffs (2 goals, 12 assists). This season, he's less focused on individual accomplishments than at any previous time in his career.
"When I was younger maybe I did set up these goals, but there's only one goal (now) and the goal is to win the Stanley Cup," he said. "If I can contribute by goals or by playing a two-way game or anywhere else, I'll be happy to."
Waiting game:
Johnny Oduya has been mentioned in media reports as a possibility to be traded to get the Hawks under the NHL's $69 million salary cap before the season starts. The 32-year old Swedish defenseman has heard it, but is trying to ignore it.
"It's a tough question," said Oduya, who said his formerly broken right foot has healed fully. "I know it's there. I think everybody does. I try not to worry about it too much. It's out of my hands, really. For me, I want to focus on being here and performing and working hard. That's what I have on my mind."
Good impression:
Hawks coach Joel Quenneville likes to have an enforcer-type player on his fourth line, but changes in the NHL's style of play has left most one-dimensional tough guys out in the cold.
The most recent player to hold that role for the Hawks was Brandon Bollig, who was traded to the Calgary Flames this off-season. That leaves behind a possible spot for a guy like 6-foot-4, 220-pound Brandon Mashinter, who was obtained last season in a trade with the New York Rangers.
"Watching him in the first day, I like him," Quenneville said. "I liked what I saw and I (think) as camp evolves, it might get a little competitive and certainly I think there'll definitely be a spot (open) there."
Healthy squad:
Quenneville said Thursday that his team appeared to be in the best shape of their lives, collectively. The Hawks didn't do anything to cast doubt on that assessment Friday. A few notables include Patrick Kane and Bryan Bickell, who each said they're down a few pounds, and Hossa - who said his body fat was measured in the 8-percent range. Tevo Teravainen said he weighed in around 180 pounds, up about 10 pounds from a year ago.