Quenneville wants consistency from Hawks' Skille
Jack Skille knew he didn't play well Friday at Columbus, which found him a healthy scratch Saturday against Buffalo.
Skille was back in the Blackhawks' lineup Monday eager to make amends.
“Some guys complain and some guys sulk about it, but I'm one of those guys who works even harder and hopefully the coaching staff sees that, Skille said.
“The other night, I played pretty average and they weren't happy about the performance. My job right now is to provide energy, be physical and play smart.
Hawks coach Joel Quenneville says Skille's job description remains the same.
“I thought jack had a couple real good games, Quenneville said. “I like his speed. I think having more tenaciousness in the puck areas is something that can really complement his speed and his game.
“Consistency from his top games to other games is something we'd like to nail, and I think he has the capability of doing that and closing that gap.
With Skille back in the lineup and defenseman John Scott playing wing for a third straight game, Viktor Stalberg was a healthy scratch against the Blues.
Mom knows best:
Patrick Kane still is basically a kid at 21, so when he was knocked down by the flu last Thursday the first call he made was to him mom in Buffalo.
“I woke up in the middle of the night and my whole body ached and was sore, Kane said. “I called my mom actually took the liberty of flying my mom into town. She took care of me for a couple days and I feel better. I'm glad I did it.
Kane missed Friday's game at Columbus with a virus but returned Saturday against Buffalo and had 2 assists in the win.
“I'm getting there, Kane said. “The biggest thing is getting my energy back and my appetite.
Leddy needs minutes:
Joel Quenneville said 19-year-old defenseman Nick Leddy was sent to Rockford on Sunday to get more significant minutes.
“We want to make sure that he gets a lot of ice time, Quenneville said. “We want to see him play in all situations. The American League is a great place to play for him.
“There's still a possibility he could be back here at any moment's time, but we want him to continue to develop and play. That's a great place to begin. We look at a guy like Dunc (Keith) and it's a great foundation for what it takes to play at this level.
With Leddy gone it creates an opportunity for veteran Jordan Hendry to play more after a slow start to his season.
“It's a good chance for Hendry to get playing, Quenneville said.
Second best:
Marian Hossa was named the NHL's second star of the week for his 4 goals and 2 assists in four games.