Hendry proves his worth

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Before the season, rookie defenseman Jordan Hendry was more than realistic when it came to his place in the organization.

"I was just hoping to have a good season down in Rockford (the Hawks' AHL affiliate) and hopefully get a chance to come up here and play a few games," he said.

His chance came a lot sooner than expected when injuries forced the Blackhawks' hand and Hendry's phone rang in early January, beckoning him east to join the big club.

To say the stay-at-home defenseman has made his presence felt in just 14 games going up against the likes of Joe Thornton and the Sedin brothers would be a huge understatement.

"He's had one bad game; every other game has been really good," Hawks coach Denis Savard said. "He's a good skater, he's strong, and he keeps it simple.

"He's earned a job here as far as I'm concerned."

Are we there yet? Seventeen days on the road.

For most professional athletes it might seem like an eternity, but not to forward Adam Burish.

"For me, I enjoy being on the road. It gets you away from some of your daily routines," Burish said. "But some days when you're up early in the morning and you're flying, that's when you realize, 'Boy, we're on a long trip.'

"When you win some games on the road, that helps. But we've been in good cities, too -- Vancouver, San Jose for five days. Now there's only (one) day left. It feels like it hasn't been 17 days yet."

Some players have turned to electronic devices to help the time pass.

"There's about 12 of us that play the PSP (PlayStation portable) things; we're linked together," Burish said. "We all play against each other and try to shoot each other. We have the American guys against the French-Canadian guys."

Around the net: Denis Savard said there was a "slim chance" injured forward Jason Williams could see action Sunday against Colorado. … James Wisniewski's second-period goal was his first in 23 games. … Veteran Yanic Perreault and rookie Jack Skille were healthy scratches. … Defenseman Andrei Zyuzin flew back to Chicago on Wednesday morning with cold-like symptoms. … Patrick Lalime will start in net tonight at Nashville.

Tonight's faceoff

Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators at the Sommet Center, 7 p.m.

TV: Comcast SportsNet

Radio: WSCR 670-AM

The skinny: The Blackhawks couldn't ask for a tougher team to face to finish a grueling 17-day road trip. The Predators come into tonight's game fresh off a 4-2 victory Tuesday over Detroit. Nashville is 12-4-4 since the start of the new year.

Player to watch: Chris Mason. The Nashville goalie stopped 40 shots in the win over Detroit. Want more good news? He's 4-0 in his last four home starts.

Next: Colorado Avalanche at the United Center, noon Sunday

-- Mike Spellman