Blackhawks' Tootoo turned his season around, will play against his old team
Whether it's fate or not, it is quite interesting that Jordin Tootoo's season took a turn for the better on March 4 during a 5-3 Blackhawks victory over Nashville, his former team and the Hawks' first-round opponent in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Before that night, the 34-year-old Tootoo had been a healthy scratch in 16 of the previous 19 games. But against the Predators, Tootoo registered his first point of the season when he gave the Hawks a 2-0 lead midway through the second period.
The revived Tootoo proceeded to play in 12 of the last 17 games and is expected to start on the fourth line along with John Hayden and Tanner Kero during Game 1 against the Predators on Thursday.
Coach Joel Quenneville has been impressed with Tootoo's tenacity of late, but he was equally impressed with how the veteran winger kept a positive attitude during a sometimes trying season.
"I was impressed by his enthusiasm," Quenneville said. "When (we told him), 'You aren't playing tonight,' he accepted the role and responsibility … and worked extremely hard in skates afterward. (He also) did everything he could to be aware of how we're playing and prepared himself to play the next game. When he got in the lineup, he gave us something to think about to stay in the lineup. So give him some credit on doing everything he could to enhance his ice time and contribution to our team."
Tootoo said he definitely expects to "have a bit more bite" to his game because of who the Hawks are facing.
"I have great memories there. But I'm a Blackhawk now and I'm going to do whatever it takes."
With capable players like Dennis Rasmussen, Vinnie Hinostroza and Tomas Jurco all expected to sit out for Game 1, it's anyone's guess how long Tootoo will remain in the lineup. But whether that's one game, five games or every game, Tootoo figures to remain levelheaded and supportive of his teammates - just as he was all season.
"At this point in my career, everything is a bonus here," Tootoo said. "But it's a business. For me, I try to use every day to get better both on and off the ice.
"It's a privilege to play this game and (this is) the best time of year - to be playing in the playoffs."
Must-see TV:
Scott Darling can't wait for the Stanley Cup playoffs to begin - so much so that he planned on watching a lot of television Wednesday night.
"We had a meeting this morning and I got all pumped up," Darling said after the Hawks practiced at Johnny's IceHouse West on Wednesday. "And I love watching too. I've already got my TV lineup for tonight. I'll be watching all five games. I know what channels they're on, what time they're on. So I'm excited to be a hockey fan and then be a part of it with us."
Slap shots:
Coach Joel Quenneville expects Michal Rozsival, who had surgery Tuesday to repair fractures in his face, to be available at some point during the postseason, but he wouldn't give a timetable for how long Rozsival would be out. … Nashville led the league with 12 short-handed goals this season. The Hawks finished last with 1.
He said it:
"Not necessarily. Just enjoy it, have fun - and try to find me."
A laughing Marian Hossa on if he'll say anything to rookie linemate Ryan Hartman before Game 1