Jan. 1 big day for some

For Blackhawks players, it might seem an impossible task to top New Year's Day 2009 and the chance to play in the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.

But New Year's Day 2010 just might do it, especially for those American players hoping to represent their country in the Vancouver Olympics.

That's the day the announcement of the U.S. team will be made, and don't think the players aren't counting down the days.

"Every time I'm on the ice it's pretty much playing hockey and worrying about the Blackhawks," said Patrick Kane, who figures to be a lock to make the team. "But you hear about the teams and the picking of teams and I know Jan. 1 is coming up soon."

And Kane, for one, can't wait.

"Absolutely," he said. "It means a lot to play in the NHL, but the Olympics is probably the highest level of hockey you can play. You want to win for your country. I don't think there would be any better feeling than an American kid and an American team going up to Canada (and winning)."

In addition to Kane, Hawks forward Dustin Byfuglien is on the shortlist to make the team. Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said he hasn't been asked yet to put in a good word for his players.

"Lobbying is something we don't have to (do)," Quenneville said. "We'll let the players speak for themselves."

But -

"If necessary," he said, "we'll always go to bat for our guys."

Drought over: Brian Campbell's power-play goal Wednesday night was his first goal in 28 games.

"It had to happen at some point, you'd think after you shoot the puck, shoot the puck, shoot the puck in practice," Campbell said. "It's nice to get a power-play goal"

He said it: Kane on the tinted visor he began wearing Wednesday to protect his injured eye: "It's different. I think once my eye heals up I'll probably go back to my regular one, but you never know. If I start playing good or it becomes good luck, I'll probably stick with it. We'll see what happens."