Hawks looking to restart their engines
Apropos of the springlike weather, it almost felt like a new beginning for the Blackhawks after their practice Tuesday at Johnny's IceHouse.
And after lunging and braking their way to an 8-8-1 start, including a frustrating loss Sunday to Edmonton, the Hawks could sure use one.
The signs were there Tuesday.
Injured forward Dave Bolland was back on the ice, his return imminent. The team went through a spirited workout that coach Joel Quenneville deemed the best so far this season.
Afterward, an upbeat group of players were looking forward as they prepared to take on Phoenix on Wednesday night.
“We talked about it, we addressed it, and it was good to get back out on the ice today,” Patrick Sharp said. “It's frustrating. We know we can do better.”
Though he won't be back in the lineup against the Coyotes, no doubt the happiest man on Madison Street on Tuesday was Bolland.
“It felt great being back out on the ice,” said Bolland, who skated with Marian Hossa at right wing and Patrick Kane at left wing. “It's not fun to sit around watching all the guys have fun on the ice.”
As much as Bolland is champing at the bit to rejoin them, it won't happen quite yet.
“He looks like he's real close, but we're going to count him out for (Wednesday),” Quenneville said.
“It's always exciting to see guys back in the lineup,” Sharp said. “Hopefully we can get him back in the mix and see how it goes.”
When Bolland does return, it will mark the first time the Hawks have been at full strength this season, something everyone is looking forward to.
“That would be nice to have a consistent lineup; that hasn't been the case,” Quenneville said.
“Definitely it would help to get everyone healthy and in the lineup,” said Hossa, who himself has been working his way back into game shape since returning from injury. “It would make it easier for the whole team.”
But it still won't automatically ignite a turnaround for the oft-moribund Hawks, who are just 4-6 at the United Center.
“It'll give us a boost, but it's not going to guarantee anything for us,” Jonathan Toews said. “Bolly is obviously a big part of our team and that's going to give us more energy and more depth, but it's all about every individual being better out there.”
Still, Quenneville remains optimistic, especially after Tuesday's upbeat practice.
“Everybody has stretches as a coach or as a team where you might not be happy with your record or a stretch of games where all of a sudden you're having trouble winning games or putting something together positively,” he said.
“We've been kind of up and back and not getting the sustained wins or strong play. I just think with a positive attitude we'll work our way through this.”