Byfuglien figures big in future

The Blackhawks are hoping defenseman Dustin Byfuglien shows he is in the NHL to stay.

Byfuglien was projected to be in the top six on defense prior to the season, so much so that he was given the two-page spread the regulars get in the team's media guide. But a rib injury suffered in training camp necessitated Byfuglien starting the year in the American Hockey League at Rockford.

Now the Hawks want to see him become as reliable defensively as he is an offensive threat.

"We know he's a good player, there's no question," coach Denis Savard said. "We know when we look at the big picture in the long run that he's going to be with us.

"He's a big body and has some skill, but just two things: Just keep your game simple and make sure your first pass is good out of your own end, and eliminate people in 1-on-1 battles.

"That's all he needs to focus on and the other stuff will take care of itself because he has the ability to do everything else."

Byfuglien still is only 22 years old and considered a work in progress by the Hawks, who see him as someone who can help fill the void of power-play quarterback from the right point. He was a second-team AHL all-star last season and won the hardest shot competition at the all-star game.

"I think as I get a little more comfortable up here and get back in the game around the NHL, I think I should be all right," Byfuglien said. "I got an injury and had to go down and work my way back up. I went down and thought I played good and now I'm back up here."

Byfuglien played almost 17 minutes in Sunday's 5-2 loss to Nashville at the United Center and was one of the three Hawks' defensemen not in the minus.

Playing flat: Defenseman Duncan Keith wasn't buying the theory that the Hawks save their best hockey for the road following Sunday's loss to the Predators. The Hawks' third straight home loss made them 3-5 at the UC compared to 4-2 on the road.

Nashville scored twice in the game's first four minutes and led 3-1 after the first period.

"I just think today, plain and simple, we looked tired out there," Keith said. "The other team for whatever reason had more jump, and a lot of times in games that can make a big difference."

The Hawks won an emotional game at St. Louis on Saturday night, but the Predators were coming off back-to-back games in Vancouver and Edmonton on Thursday and Friday.

Starting over: After seeing his 10-game points scoring streak come to an end Saturday at St. Louis, Jonathan Toews began a new one with an assist Sunday.