Young Chicago Blackhawks defense getting big opportunity

Every day that the Blackhawks manage to survive without Duncan Keith is a big bonus.

It's a bonus in that Keith likely will come back refreshed and raring to go. And it's also a bonus because the team's young defensive core is growing up in a hurry without hurting the Hawks in the standings.

In the seven games that Keith has missed, Viktor Svedberg (24 years old) and Trevor van Riemsdyk (24) have seen their playing time increase, as well as their responsibilities. Erik Gustafsson (23) has gotten his feet wet as well, playing in the last three games.

"They're really getting a real good education here," coach Joel Quenneville said before his team took on the St. Louis Blues at the United Center on Wednesday night. "Getting top minutes, top matchups, tough situations as well (and) handling it relatively well."

In van Riemsdyk's case, he has seen his minutes increase from about 15-16 a night to 21-plus. He played a career-high 24:34 at Minnesota.

"It's a few more minutes each night, but you've got to bring the same intensity every shift," he said.

Van Riemsdyk has been more aggressive in the offensive zone, which he credits to playing partner Niklas Hjalmarsson's ability to break up plays.

He's also logging quite a few minutes on the penalty kill, which could be nerve-racking for someone who has just 30 regular-season games under his belt. But van Riemsdyk credited assistant coach Mike Kitchen for making sure the team is prepared when the Hawks are short-handed.

"Kitch does a great job of every single situation you can see yourself in; where your stick should be, where you should be," van Riemsdyk said. "He goes over it all, so when you're out there you feel like you've been doing it for a little while."

Quenneville, for one, isn't complaining about the progress the young guys have made.

"We've been happy (with) it so far," he said. "But we know it's not an easy position to come in and expect perfection."

Hossa update:

Marian Hossa (lower body) did not play Wednesday against the Blues and is questionable to play Friday at New Jersey.

Coach Joel Quenneville said he doesn't believe the winger will miss much more time but said the team is being cautious.

"It's one of those things that could become a problem," Quenneville said, "but I think that keeping him off rested and making sure he's 100 percent (is the way to go)."

Slap shots:

Six of Vladimir Tarasenko's 7 goals on the season have either tied the game or given the Blues the lead. He scored the game-winner Wednesday in his team's 6-5 overtime victory over the Hawks. … Brent Seabrook (4G, 7A) is on pace for a 69-point season, which would shatter his career high of 48, set in 2010-11. He had a goal and an assist against the Blues and is on a seven-game points streak.