Fourth line draws praise from Hawks' coach

If the Blackhawks are a work in progress, as their record of 0-1-1 might suggest at this early point, then the rebuilding of the fourth line is part of the process.

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville likes the makeup of Jake Dowell, Jack Skille and Viktor Stalberg, and that line was very noticeable in Saturday's 3-2 loss to Detroit at the United Center.

“I thought the fourth line may have been our best line by a margin (Saturday), Quenneville said. “They had great pace, great speed, and were dangerous off the rush. They were a threat in the offensive zone, protected the puck, took some penalties, and were dangerous.

Skille was particularly good with 4 shots on goal and 4 hits in 10-plus minutes. Skille played with the kind of energy that could find him moving up the depth chart if he continues to play that way.

“We had our feet moving the whole night and our line was working well, Skille said. “We had some good chances all night and coach threw us out there more at the end.

“We've just got to bring energy all night and try to draw some penalties like we did as a line. The skill on this team will take care of the rest.

Two 1-goal losses in the first two games is hardly any reason to panic, but at the same time there is a need for the Hawks to play better. They have been scrambled at times and the power play has missed on some key chances despite being 3-for-12.

“I didn't mind the way we were playing for the most part of the game (Saturday), but it's always measured by wins and losses, so we're not happy right now, Quenneville said. “We've got some guys that can be better across the board.

The Hawks failed to take advantage of the Red Wings playing their second game in two nights.

“There is no hiding from teams like that, and we want to take them on head-on and prove ourselves against them, Jonathan Toews said. “We played well in some instances, but I'm still disappointed we couldn't beat them in our own building.

“It's tough to start the season with back-to-back games, Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. “Our energy level wasn't as high as it should've been, but we competed very well in the third period, especially by killing off three late penalties.

“Chicago is a tough team and they have a lot of depth. I thought their fourth line was very good.

The Hawks have a busy week ahead of them with four games in six nights starting Monday night in Buffalo against the Sabres.

“In the beginning of every year, every team has to build chemistry, goalie Marty Turco said. “It's something that you just can't mix up in a bowl. You have to go out there and earn it and pay attention and want chemistry.

“This team has it for as many changes as there were. That's certainly no excuse. We've had our chances to win, but we have a lot of games coming up and that's where we have to focus.