Bolland's injury not a back problem

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Blackhawks Nation can relax.

The injury that will keep center Dave Bolland out of the lineup at least through Monday's game against the Rangers is not related to the back issue that sidelined him for three months last season following surgery.

It's suspected Bolland has a rib injury, although all coach Joel Quenneville would confirm Saturday was that the Hawks' defensive standout doesn't have another back issue.

“I don't think it's serious and I don't think we're talking the same thing,” Quenneville said.

“It's upper body and I'm going to rule out that this injury has anything to do with last year.”

The Hawks' injury list is growing. They took on the Wild here Saturday night without three key pieces from their Stanley Cup team in Bolland, Marian Hossa and Brian Campbell.

“At every point in the year sometimes you get exposed a little bit more with the injury bug and you have to fight your way through it,” Quenneville said. “Right now this is what we have to face. Everybody faces it. Sometimes they keep coming, but hopefully we can get through this process and stay healthy.”

The good news is that Campbell might return Monday at New York, while Quenneville listed Bolland as day to day.

Quenneville said it was more important than ever with key people out to play a tighter defensive game.

“Every night we've got to put ourselves in position where we get points,” Quenneville said. “Being resilient and being diligent how we check is how you keep yourself in hockey games. Our power play has been effective; I think we can rely on that and take pride in checking well and not being scored on.”

Soup's on?

A day after saying Brian Campbell was doubtful for the weekend, Joel Quenneville wouldn't rule out the defenseman returning from his knee injury Monday at Madison Square Garden.

Campbell had another good skate Saturday morning at Xcel Energy Center.

“I'm going to say maybe I'm a little more encouraged than I was the other day, optimistically encouraged,” Quenneville said. “We'll see on Monday.”

Second chance:

Ryan Potulny was recalled from Rockford on Saturday to take Dave Bolland's roster spot.

Potulny was one of the last cuts at training camp.

“I thought he got better as camp went on,” Joel Quenneville said. “He progressed to a point where we thought he could help us here. You can use him in all situations.”

Potulny played center against the Wild as Quenneville again juggled his lines.

“Hockey sense is something that hopefully down the middle he has some savvy about wanting the puck,” Quenneville said. “Positionally we're comfortable with him down low. He's played in the league and has some experience.”

Potulny centered the third line for Jack Skille and Fernando Pisani.

Bryan Bickell was a healthy scratch.