Johnsson sees uptick to his offensive game

Newly acquired Blackhawks defenseman Kim Johnsson sees himself as being a good fit in coach Joel Quenneville's system.

"A skating game and a puck-moving game, that's probably my biggest strength, and hopefully that's what I'll bring to this team," Johnsson said before making his Hawks debut Saturday night against Atlanta at the United Center.

"Just talking to the players and the coaches about the systems, I feel that this will be a great fit," Johnsson said. "It's more of an offensive-minded team here. You can join the rush more, but you can't be stupid about it. It's a young, great team here and I have to do my part."

Johnsson had only 6 goals and 8 assists in 52 games with Minnesota, but he figures to be a lot more active offensively with a Hawks team that generates so much of its goal scoring from the defense.

He scored his first Hawks goal in the first period Saturday.

"There's a green light flashing all the time in our system where we want our defense to be involved in the attack out of the zone; we want them off the offensive point as well and be involved in cycles," Quenneville said. "We think a lot of our offense is generated with our defense participating in the offense, so hopefully that complements his game."

Defenseman Brian Campbell was ready to help Johnsson get familiar with the way Quenneville wants things done on the back end.

"He's going to have to come in and fit into our system and what Joel wants," Campbell said. "We're obviously a puck-possession team, which plays into his system. He can hang on to the puck and make plays, and those are the things we're asked to do - get up in the play.

"He's a reliable guy who can load up some minutes and put them on his shoulders. It's definitely going to help us."

Quenneville plans to use Johnsson in all situations and with various partners.

Johnsson should be a valuable guy in the Hawks' post-Olympic schedule when big-minute defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook might need more rest during games.

"We'll see exactly how he'll fit in with our group, but we certainly like our options," Quenneville said. "He'll play probably with everybody and get minutes across the board. We'll get a clearer idea exactly how the pairs will go and work out."

Quenneville has no concerns about Johnsson adapting quickly.

"I think the bottom line, whether the systems are comparable or there's some nuances he's got to adjust to, it always gets back to hockey and trusting your instincts, and that's what makes him a dependable defenseman," Quenneville said. "He understands situational decisions and I think his instincts are pretty good."