Blackhawks' Schmaltz returns, aims to shoot more
When the Chicago Blackhawks assigned Nick Schmaltz to Rockford on Dec. 4, it was to try to get the rookie winger's confidence up from an offensive standpoint.
Schmaltz, who went right from college to the pros, played in 26 games with the Hawks and had just 1 goal and 3 assists.
Now that Schmaltz is back after the Hawks called him up Saturday, they're hoping he starts putting the puck on net the way he did in Rockford when he shot 32 times in 12 games.
"He looked like he was firing it," coach Joel Quenneville said before the Hawks lost 3-2 to Minnesota at the United Center on Sunday. "He's got a nice set of hands. He sees plays, makes plays, and that's part of his game.
"I think the other part of his game, playing without the puck and moving around all zones, is something we're looking forward to."
Schmaltz centered the fourth line against the Wild, with Dennis Rasmussen on left wing and a variety of right wingers that included Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Richard Panik and Vinnie Hinostroza as the Hawks played with seven defensemen.
Before the game, Schmaltz said he now understands the importance of getting more pucks on net. He ended up taking 2 shots on goal in 8:29.
"You don't get too many Grade A looks," said Schmaltz, who took just 16 shots on goal before his demotion to the IceHogs. "Sometimes a shot is the best play, and you get a rebound after that. Shoot the puck more and get to the net more."
Not easy:
Michal Rozsival played in a second straight game Sunday for the first time since Dec. 9 and 11. While the veteran D-man hasn't seen much playing time, he continues to draw praise from his coach.
"It's a tough situation to be in," Joel Quenneville said. "I know when Rozy gets in the lineup he always finds a way to make a contribution and offensively he sees plays and defensively he's got a decent gap."
Rozsival took a season-high 3 shots on goal in 10:47 of ice time, although he only played 68 seconds in the third period.
Slap shots:
Coming into Sunday's game, Minnesota had the greatest goal differential (plus 45) of any team in the Western Conference. Only Columbus (plus 46) was better in the entire NHL. … Corey Crawford is 4-4-1 with a .909 save percentage since returning from an appendectomy that cost him 10 games. … Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk leads the NHL in goals-against average (1.78) and save percentage (.940) and is second in wins with 23. … Jordin Tootoo and Andrew Desjardins were the healthy scratches against Minnesota. … The Hawks have played with seven defensemen twice this season: Sunday and on Oct. 21 in a 3-2 loss at Columbus.