Hawks working through the grind

It hasn't been the greatest start to 2015 for the Blackhawks, who limped into Sunday's game against Minnesota with a 2-3 record in the new year.

In fact, had Corey Crawford not stopped 42 of 44 shots Thursday against in the Wild, they easily could be 1-4 and sporting a three-game losing streak heading into their rematch with the Wild.

So, is it a mental or physical thing?

According to coach Joel Quenneville, probably a combination of both.

"Some guys probably more mental than others, some more physical," he said. "That's what it's all about: try to max out in both areas. For some guys it's easier than others."

Either way, the players know that the grind is part of the gig and they have to play through it.

"Yeah, it's a long season for sure," Andrew Shaw said. "It puts a toll on you mentally and physically."

But ...

"That's when a good team comes together, though, and you stick together as a team and you push each other."

The good news for the Hawks is they have a four-day break now before hosting Winnipeg on Friday.

"Unwind a little, rest," Shaw said of his plans during the down time. "Clear your head and try to re-energize, re-focus and get prepared for the following game."

Night and day:

Antti Raanta has a sterling 6-0 record at home this season but is winless on the road in three starts.

What gives?

"It's tough to say, but you wonder why there's such a variance in the games," Joel Quenneville said. "You look at his performances all year and he's been great.

"The one game not at that level was the last game (against Edmonton), but no matter where he's been this year he's been good."

He said it:

"I just think it's mostly having the puck down low behind their net, cycling it and getting those opportunities around the net. They might not be pretty, but you're working and you're stripping pucks from behind and finishing your checks as well."

- Andrew Shaw's definition of a great energy shift.