Campbell clearly playing his best hockey as a Hawk

There are so many factors in the Blackhawks' recent 9-2 run that has put them 8 points ahead of the pack in the Central Division.

While most of the headlines have belonged to Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, defenseman Duncan Keith and goalies Cristobal Huet and Antti Niemi, there's someone else playing his best hockey in two years with the team.

Brian Campbell has 3 goals and 4 assists and is plus-6 in the last seven games. The defenseman hasn't been a minus player going back 11 games, and he is getting more minutes from coach Joel Quenneville in all situations.

"He's played great," Quenneville said. "He has the puck a lot, his speed off the rush, he's shooting the puck better from the point, and he's getting some goals as well.

"Defensively and offensively, he's a factor shift in and shift out, and he's really got a presence in the game and the way things are being played out."

Campbell prefers to play his game flying below the radar on a team loaded with high-profile players, which isn't easy to do when you're making $7.1 million a year.

Campbell has admitted in the past that it was a struggle living up to the eight-year, $56.8 million contract he signed as a free agent in 2008. Recently he has figured out how to relax and simply play his game, and the results have been noticeable.

"I think the biggest thing is I'm trying to make a difference every night for our hockey club," Campbell said. "I really feel in a good comfort zone with everything around me and who I'm playing with and all that. I feel very confident and focused, probably the most comfortable I've been since I've been here."

Campbell changed his stick design a few weeks ago, which has boosted his confidence and allowed him to get more elevation on his shots from the point.

"My sticks make a difference," he said. "It's the first time I've been 100 percent happy since I've been here. I know it's part of my equipment and I don't try to make excuses out there, but it makes me feel real good."

Campbell no longer goes into games trying to prove to the hockey world he is worth the big money he makes.

"It's just forgetting about everything and going out and playing hockey and enjoying it," Campbell said. "I'm not trying to put too much pressure on myself. I'll just take care of my job and then it'll show what I can do out there and how I can play and make a difference."

There will always be people who hold Campbell to a higher standard because of his contract, and there may be nothing he can do for them to live up to that money short of being another Bobby Orr.

"That's not for me to figure out," Campbell said. "What I'm trying to do is play my best hockey and do that first. If I do that, it's however people go about it and figure that out.

"I love the ice time and I love being out there in different situations. I'm trying to go out there and make things happen every shift. I think I've been solid all year, but right now I'm trying to make a difference and not just let it come to me but going after it and force the issue and play with an edge."

Hawks @ Dallas Stars

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

TV: Versus

Radio: WGN 720-AM

What to watch: The Hawks have won two straight on the road and are 8-2-1 in their last 11 away from the United Center. The Stars are 16-11-11 with their 11 losses in either overtime or shootouts the most in the NHL. Left wing James Neal leads Dallas with 18 goals.

Season series: Dallas leads 1-0, beating the Hawks 4-3 on Oct. 17 in Chicago.

Next: New Jersey Devils at the United Center, 7:30 p.m. Thursday.