Hossa's hopped up for United Center debut
The last time Marian Hossa played a game in the United Center, he broke the hearts of Blackhawks fans.
Hossa was wearing the hated Red Wings jersey last May 24 when he scored 2 goals in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, a 6-1 loss by the Hawks that put them down 3-1 in a series that would end three days later in Detroit.
Unlike last May, Hossa will be feeling the love from the crowd Tuesday night when he makes his Hawks home debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
"This building is one of the loudest in the National Hockey League and the fans are great," Hossa said Monday. "From last year's experience, the national anthem is awesome. I'm just going to enjoy playing at home the first time."
It will be Hossa's fourth game since returning from shoulder surgery and he admits it's all still a work in progress for him in terms of getting his game where he wants it to be as well as adjusting to a new system.
Hossa went scoreless in losses Friday at Anaheim and Saturday at Los Angeles following his memorable Hawks debut at San Jose, when he scored 2 goals in a 7-2 rout of the Sharks.
"Those first back-to-back games were a little tougher," Hossa said. "I tried to get my legs going and learn the system also on the ice. It's something that's going to take a little time to adjust and kind of understand what the coaches want from you.
"It's going to be a challenge, but I'm trying to adjust as quickly as possible. Obviously playing with the guys, sometimes I try to ask where they want me to be. I'm just trying to keep it simple and get the legs going. Over a period of time it's going to be gone and I can just play."
Jonathan Toews has found it a pleasure playing with Hossa, who will be back on the captain's right side against the Blue Jackets but this time with Patrick Sharp at left wing instead of Patrick Kane.
"I couldn't imagine he was going to be playing this well only three games back when you've been out for several months," Toews said.
Hossa already has shown why he is considered one of the game's great goal scorers by putting himself in the right areas.
"We're still feeling each other out and getting to know each other," Toews said. "But he goes out there and has a long reach and you don't have to give him a perfect pass. He's going to get his stick on the puck and he's got a great shot. The more opportunities we get as a line, the more goals we're going to score."
Hawks coach Joel Quenneville has nothing but rave reviews for Hossa after three games.
"I thought he looked really good in two games," Quenneville said. "I think as a team we weren't great in Anaheim.
"At the same time, I love the upside. I love the way he sees the ice and makes plays. I love his speed and I love the way he plays hard on both sides of the puck. I would imagine he's going to improve off these levels. He gives us a lot of versatility as far as options. He can go out there in all situations."
<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=340748">Quenneville still tinkering with Hawks' top two lines <span class="date"> [12/01/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <p class="factboxheadblack">Blackhawks game day</p> <p class="News">Columbus Blue Jackets at the United Center, 7 p.m.</p> <p class="News"><b>TV:</b> Versus</p> <p class="News"><b>Radio:</b> WGN 720-AM</p> <p class="News"><b>What to watch:</b> Columbus is one of only two teams the Hawks have yet to face (St. Louis being the other). The Blue Jackets took a five-game winless streak into Monday's game against St. Louis. The Hawks have won seven in a row at home.</p> <p class="News"><b>Last season: </b>The Hawks were 3-1-2 against Columbus in 2008-09 led by Brent Seabrook's 4 goals.</p> <p class="News"><b>Next:</b> Nashville Predators at the United Center, 7:30 p.m. Friday.</p>