With Kruger's return, Hawks reassemble power-filled 4th line
The Blackhawks probably aren't "on a mission from God" but they certainly are getting the band back together.
Yes, the fourth line that was so effective during last year's Stanley Cup title run was once again wreaking havoc at Friday's practice at Johnny's IceHouse West. Center Marcus Kruger was reunited with linemates Andrew Desjardins and Andrew Shaw as the trio hopes to recreate the chemistry that made them such a force against the top lines of their opponents in the 2015 postseason.
"I think we're pretty excited," Desjardins said.
These three exhibit many of the same characteristics as Jake and Elwood's band in the classic Blues Brothers film from 1980. They bring plenty of grit, grime and raw power, along with a no-nonsense attitude. They consistently rise to the occasion and bring thousands of fans to their feet as opposing players often crumble to the ice.
Only they do it at the United Center instead of the Palace Hotel Ballroom.
What makes it all click?
"We're pretty comfortable with each other," Desjardins said. "We joke around, we're talking about plays, even in practice. We talk about little things to make us better.
"So, yeah, there's that communication, that comfortability. It might just be that simple."
Kruger will play in Calgary on Saturday for the first time since he dislocated his wrist against Edmonton on Dec. 17. He had a good explanation of why this line seems to click so well.
"We all played a little bit of center in the past," Kruger said. "We can fill positions. If someone is out of position, someone else can fill in there. That's just gives us more flexibility and more confidence.
"They're two good players, too. So a lot of fun to play with them."
Before getting injured, Kruger didn't score a goal and had only 1 assist in 33 games.
But the 25-year-old center brings a lot more to the Hawks than what fans can pick out on a scoresheet. First and foremost is Kruger's ability to help kill penalties, something the Hawks have been struggling with since he was injured. The Hawks killed off 82.5 percent of their penalties with Kruger in the lineup and just 76 percent without him.
"PK, I mean that's his bread and butter, so hopefully he can help us in that regard," coach Joel Quenneville said. "It's definitely been a sore spot for us. …
"But certainly you know that he plays the right way and we can be better in the faceoff circle. A lot of little intangibles that he adds to our team. We look forward to him being a part of it."
Kruger said he doesn't expect to be the savior for a team that's 1-4-2 in its last seven games and 10-12-3 in the last 25.
"I don't think one player's going to make a huge difference," he said.
Still, Kruger's excited to be back and hopeful the Hawks can turn things around before the playoffs start in less than three weeks.
"We have hit a little bit of a rough patch here the last few games," Kruger said. "But we've talked a lot about it as a group and I think we all got to do a little bit more. We're going to be all right."
Hawks fans certainly hope so. Or they'll be singing the blues for only the second time in four years.
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Blackhawks (42-25-7) vs. Calgary Flames (31-37-6) at Scotiabank Saddledome, 9 p.m.
TV: WGN
Radio: WGN 720-AM
The skinny: It's been a rough season for the Flames, but they have gone 5-3-2 over the last 10 games. Included in that stretch are wins over Nashville and St. Louis. Calgary, though, has dropped its last two - 5-2 to Toronto and 6-2 to Minnesota. ... The Hawks are 1-0-1 against the Flames this season. ... Calgary is led by Johnny Gaudreau (28G, 44A) and Sean Monahan (26G, 30A). Monahan has 5 goals in the last six games.
Next: Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena, 7 p.m. Sunday
- John Dietz