Quenneville thinks his Hawks able to size up competition

While the Blackhawks might not be the biggest team around, particularly when compared to clubs such as San Jose and Anaheim in the Western Conference, coach Joel Quenneville hasn't seen size as being an issue so far.

"I think our size is fine," Quenneville said Monday. "I don't mind it.

"I know that has been mentioned, but I don't see a real problem with it because guys aren't influenced where they go around the ice.

"I think that's the thing you would be concerned about first. There hasn't been a disturbance, and I think you can sense that and feel it when it's a problem. But I don't have a problem with it."

Quenneville believes clubs are built differently and the Hawks are a team that relies more on speed and skill.

"Certain teams like that presence (with size) and think it's important," Quenneville said. "Some teams have some quickness. I think speed is a criteria today that's very important, and puck possession is part of it as well.

"I like our quickness. I like our team. I like our depth in all areas. I think we've got a team that works for each other and sticks together."

Even in their games against San Jose and Anaheim, the Hawks haven't played as if they were intimidated by their size.

They had leads late in both games against the Sharks before losing 6-5 at home and 3-2 in overtime last week in San Jose. The Hawks lost 1-0 to the Ducks on Friday in a game that could have gone either way.

"I thought we had a real good game against San Jose," Quenneville said. "I thought we played them well. I thought we played all right in Anaheim, as far as territorially and as far as the game was played. I thought it was at least even and competitive. You can argue who had the advantage.

"I don't think these teams have been dominating or dictating the way the game is being played. Certainly they're tighter. I would think finding a way to get points and bettering yourself in those situations is something we can learn."

The Hawks get another crack at the Ducks on Wednesday at the United Center, where they hope a return to home ice means starting the game better in front of the friendly crowd.

"We've just got to find a way to motivate ourselves a little bit better," captain Jonathan Toews said. "Hopefully we can use our crowd and the excitement of being back in our own building to help us get a better start."

Quenneville, looking back at the six-game trip, didn't think his team's starts were all that terrible, with the possible exception of San Jose when the Hawks were outshot 17-2 in the first period.

"I thought we had a good start in Anaheim and a good start in Phoenix," Quenneville said. "The other games were so-so starts. L.A. wasn't great.

"Every game is different, but the starts really can put you in a position to win the hockey game. I think that's one area we can improve and will continue to stress."

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