On the defensive
While it might look as if Blackhawks defensemen don't have the same green light as they did a year ago when their joining the attack was such a big part of the offense, coach Denis Savard said it's not the case at all.
"I haven't changed anything," Savard said. "Our defense, we want them to help join the rush, read what's in front of them. They're allowed to go."
Part of the problem in the first three games, according to Savard, was the forwards weren't doing the proper things.
"Part of it is our forwards have to help and we haven't made good decisions with pucks inside the blue line," Savard said. "We're trying plays that aren't there so it eliminates your defense joining (the) rush.
"The biggest thing for us is once we enter wide and have people going to the net, that's going to open up our defense. We didn't do it our first three games as consistent as we want it. We wan consistency in that department, and you'll see if we do our defense is going to open up and get some chances for us."
Looking for help? According to an NHL source, the Hawks are "kicking the tires" of San Jose Sharks defenseman Kyle McLaren, who has been sent to Worcester of the American Hockey League after clearing waivers.
The 31-year-old McLaren is not on recallable waivers, Sharks general manager Doug Wilson told the San Jose Mercury News, which means the Hawks would be responsible for McLaren's $2.5 million cap hit had they claimed him.
As of Wednesday, the Hawks couldn't take on McLaren's cap hit since they had only about $1.5 million of cap room available.
It's possible the Hawks will wait to see if McLaren goes on recallable waivers, when they then could get him at half his salary.
It's obvious the Hawks have concerns about Brent Sopel, Jordan Hendry, Aaron Johnson and Matt Walker as their fourth, fifth and sixth defensemen.
What's my line? Denis Savard said last season that Ben Eager had the qualities to be a top-nine forward.
But for now Eager will play on the fourth line.
"There are times I might move him up and see how he's playing," Savard said. "One thing about him is he's got size, he can skate and he hits. He can be one of our best forechecking players on this team because of the fact he gets there."
Tip-ins: For the second year in a row the Coyotes have four rookies on their roster, including first-round draft picks Mikkel Boedker (eighth overall) and Viktor Tikhonov (28th overall). ... Craig Adams and Matt Walker were healthy scratches for the Hawks.