Savard's harsh words hit home
Blackhawks coach Denis Savard has no regrets about his harsh words following last Thursday's loss to Columbus when he ripped into his players for what he felt was a lack of effort.
"I wish I didn't have to go through that, but I just felt it was unacceptable the way they played," Savard said Monday. "It's not my nature, but I have a role in this organization and a job to do, and if I don't get the job done my butt is on the line.
"Did I point fingers? Maybe somewhat, but I'm responsible as well as they are. We all have to step up and it was my time to step up. Hopefully they'll follow my lead."
Because of the three-day break for the All-Star Game, Monday's practice in Bensenville was the first since Thursday's loss. It was a hard-hitting, up-tempo practice that told Savard his message was received loud and clear.
"They acted like professionals, and that's a good sign," Savard said. "The season is not out of the way, that's what we need to understand here as a group. There's still 32 games with lots of points available and we can't let it slip away.
"Bottom line is we want to be in the playoffs. I played for this team a long time and I care. Our players care, too, and they showed that to me today."
Adam Burish said Savard's words had impact because it was not something they often hear from him.
"That was kind of the first time you could sense he was a little upset, and rightfully so," Burish said. "When a guy like that who is really positive with us and good with us, when he does give it to us a little bit and lash out to us you listen because there's probably meaning behind it.
"He can only do so much. It's got to come from the guys in here. After what I saw today, the way the guys practiced, I think they understand."
Koci on waivers: Enforcer David Koci was placed on waivers Monday after appearing in just three of the last 18 games.
If Koci clears waivers on Wednesday, he would be assigned to Rockford.
"Hopefully for him he gets picked up," Denis Savard said.
Toews not close: As much as the Hawks would like Jonathan Toews back on the ice, his return from a sprained left knee is still at least two weeks away.
"I'm so anxious to get back," Toews said. "It's definitely tough to watch."
Martin Lapointe (bruised kidney), Kris Versteeg (shoulder) and Dave Bolland (broken thumb) all practiced Monday but Denis Savard wasn't sure if any would return Wednesday against the Avalanche.
Tip-ins: Denis Savard said Nikolai Khabibulin would start in goal against the Avs...Winger Jack Skille and defenseman Jordan Hendry were recalled from Rockford...Cam Barker did not go play in Monday's AHL all-star game as planned.