Hawks' Bolland getting there after a slow start

Posted October 29, 2009 11:00 pm

By Tim Sassone

After he missed most of training camp with a back problem, having center Dave Bolland relatively healthy is a key for the Blackhawks going forward.

Bolland has picked up his game in the last week, rounding into form following so much idle time in the preseason. Bolland may have had his best game on Monday against Minnesota when he scored a goal and was terrific defensively while playing more than 20 minutes.

"I liked how he played," coach Joel Quenneville said. "I don't want to say exactly (it was) his best game, but he was more responsible defensively and that's one of his strengths. Everything comes off of that. That commitment enhances his offensive game as well."

It was only Bolland's second goal in 10 games, but at least he's ahead of last season when he went the first 14 games without scoring.

"It's coming," Bolland said. "Slowly, it's taking time. You just have to keep going."

It was last week when Quenneville talked about Bolland's slow start and how it was attributed to the back issue that he may have to play through all season.

Hossa watch: Joel Quenneville admits he has started toying with possible line combinations for when Marian Hossa debuts in three to four weeks.

"All the options will be available," Quenneville said. "Whatever line he's going to be on gives you a lot of options during the course of the game; the special teams and how he can enhance those options.

"Important shifts here or there you might throw him on another line. There are good options whether it's Johnny (Toews), (Dave) Bolland or Johnny Madden."

One thing to keep in mind is how well Martin Havlat clicked last year playing with Bolland and Andrew Ladd.

No Toews: Captain Jonathan Toews likely will miss his fourth straight game Friday night against Montreal with concussion-like symptoms.

Toews didn't skate again Thursday and hasn't skated since being clocked by Canucks defenseman Willie Mitchell last week.

Break time: After Friday's game against Montreal, the Hawks will have five days off before playing in Phoenix next Thursday.

The team will head to Arizona early on Tuesday for its first "dad's trip". Most of the dads will be accompanying their sons on the charter to Phoenix and Colorado.

There is a father-son golf outing/dinner set for Tuesday in Phoenix, and there will be other activities for the dads.

Tip-ins: Defenseman Jordan Hendry dressed as a forward Thursday aganst the Predators with the Hawks deciding not to recall a player from Rockford. ... Jacques Martin, a former Hawks assistant under Mike Keenan, comes to town Friday for the first time as head coach of the Canadiens.

Blackhawks game day Montreal Canadiens at the United Center, 7:30 p.m. Friday TV: Comcast SportsNet Radio: WGN 720-AM What to watch: Goalie Carey Price, the subject of trade rumors, starts for the Canadiens for the first time since Oct. 17. Jaroslav Halak was pulled in Wednesday's 6-1 loss at Pittsburgh, his fifth straight start. That snapped a four-game Montreal winning streak. Habs defenseman Andrei Markov remains out following ankle surgery. Last season: The Canadiens beat the Hawks and Cristobal Huet 4-1 on March 31 in Montreal in their only meeting. Next: Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena, 8 p.m. Thursday.

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