Bolland plans to play through nagging back problem
Center Dave Bolland finally practiced Tuesday after missing the first nine days of training camp with a sore lower back.
Bolland admitted he has a history of back soreness with the latest episode flaring up in the weeks leading up to camp. Bolland missed only one game last season and isn't worried about this year being any different.
"I played every game with it last year," Bolland said. "There was some pain, but I played with it and just stayed with it. I don't really know what it is. It started last training camp. I took care of it this summer and I'm ready to go."
Hawks coach Joel Quenneville hopes to get Bolland into a preseason game on Friday against Minnesota at the United Center.
"Most players have something they deal with on an ongoing basis," Quenneville said. "Working on and off the ice with proper maintenance you can take care of these things as best you can.
"He dealt with it very well last year. That's just all part of the game, but he's one of those guys who fights through either a lot of adversity or pain and finds a way to keep himself not only playing, but at the top of his game."
Bolland isn't looking forward to the eight-hour flight to Switzerland on Friday night.
"I'll be sleeping on the floor," he said. "Hopefully they'll have some beds on one of those new planes, but the veterans would probably get those."
Byfuglien hurting: While Kris Versteeg (upper body) might return to practice today, Joel Quenneville said Dustin Byfuglien would miss the next few days with a groin problem.
The lines at practice Tuesday were a bit jumbled. Jonathan Toews centered for Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp while John Madden skated between Andrew Ladd and Jack Skille. Colin Fraser centered the third line for Ben Eager and Tomas Kopecky.
Beach among cuts: Winger Kyle Beach, the Hawks' first-round draft pick in 2008, was one of seven roster cuts Tuesday following a training camp where he was barely noticeable.
Beach was returned to juniors along with defenseman Shawn Lalonde.
Assigned to Rockford were forwards Bryan Bickell, Mark Cullen, Rob Klinkhammer and defensemen Brian Connolly and Daryl Boyle.
That leaves 28 players left in camp: 16 forwards, nine defensemen and three goalies. Still around are forwards Jake Dowell, Jack Skille, Danny Bois and Evan Brophey along with defensemen Richard Petiot, Jordan Hendry and Aaron Johnson.
Goalie rotation: Joel Quenneville said Corey Crawford would play the full game tonight in Washington with Cristobal Huet set to go the whole way Friday against Minnesota.