Signs point to veteran Hawks D-man Campbell sitting Friday
During Brian Campbell's five years with the Florida Panthers, the defenseman didn't miss a single game.
Zero. Nada. None.
That's something the veteran takes great pride in, but because Campbell skated outside the top six D-men at practice for the last two days, he may be a healthy scratch when the Blackhawks play at Columbus on Friday night.
"There's not much I can do about it and I'm just working hard and keep trying to get better, so we'll see what happens," said Campbell, who has played in 390 straight games. "If that's the case, that's the case and we'll move forward."
Trevor van Riemsdyk once again skated with Gustav Forsling, who has been paired with Campbell the first four games. Coach Joel Quenneville said van Riemsdyk is "likely in" but wouldn't say for sure that Campbell is out.
Quenneville could decide to sit Forsling, but if he were leaning in that direction, it makes sense that Campbell would be skating with van Riemsdyk at practice.
Campbell signed a one-year deal with the Hawks in the off-season that will pay him $2.25 million as long as he plays in at least 10 games. One of the big reasons for returning was to get his family back to the area where his wife grew up, but another was to make another run at the Stanley Cup.
Asked if it would help aging veterans to play 78 or 79 games in a season to stay fresh, he responded by saying: "I don't think I'm overtaxed or anything like that. Sometimes you look your big guys, especially forwards that can play 22, 23 minutes a night, it's definitely taxing throughout a season, but I don't put myself in that category."
In four games, Campbell has 1 assist and hasn't played more than 18 minutes. He hasn't missed a game since March 20, 2011 when the Hawks played at Arizona.
Van Riemsdyk, who played in all 82 games last season, has been a healthy scratch the last three games. Face it:
Artem Anisimov and Nick Schmaltz have really struggled in the faceoff circle to start the season. Anisimov, who has never been a faceoff wizard, has won just 18 of 54 draws (33.3 percent), while Schmaltz has won 12 of 35 (34.3 percent).
After practice Thursday, Anisimov worked with Yanic Perreault, who has been with the Hawks for four seasons to help players in this area.
"Faceoff is like a little game in the game," Anisimov said. "Just need to be a little bit quicker, stronger."
Overall, the Hawks' four centers have won 46.5 percent of their draws. Jonathan Toews is at 55.6 percent (50-for-90) and Marcus Kruger is at 53.2 percent (25-for-47).
Hossa update:
Coach Joel Quenneville said Marian Hossa, who was injured blocking a shot in Tuesday's win over Philadelphia, will not play Friday at Columbus but could play Saturday when the Hawks host Toronto.
Scouting report
Blackhawks vs. Columbus, 6 p.m. Friday, Nationwide Arena
TV: Comcast SportsNet; Radio: WGN 720-AM
The skinny: Columbus, which lost its first eight games last season and allowed the second-most goals in the league, began this campaign by falling to Boston 6-3 and San Jose 3-2. ... Former Hawks winger Brandon Saad scored 31 goals last season for the Blue Jackets. ... The Hawks won 4-1 at Columbus last season and dropped the season finale 5-4 in overtime at the United Center. ... Corey Crawford starts in net for the Hawks.
Next: Toronto Maple Leafs at United Center, 6 p.m. Saturday
- John Dietz