'Tough road' ahead for Blackhawks
It was a great 2010 for the Blackhawks, who won their first Stanley Cup in 49 years.
But as the calendar turns to 2011, the Hawks find themselves being tested on a number of fronts.
They've had to battle through one injury after another, the latest being Jonathan Toews' banged-up right shoulder, which along with their own inconsistent play has combined to put the Hawks' playoff chances in serious question approaching the season's halfway point.
“I wouldn't say it's surprising,” winger Troy Brouwer said. “We knew we were going to have a tough season ahead of us with what happened last year and every team wanting to prove themselves against us.
“It's going to be a tough road, but we haven't put ourselves in a very good position. Last year we had a couple points ahead of the pack and right now we're in the middle of it.”
The Hawks have basically lost two games in a row without Toews, who was lost for most of Tuesday's loss at St. Louis.
While Toews skated with his teammates at practice Saturday, there is no timetable for his return other than the two weeks the club announced last Wednesday.
Toews told reporters he was taking it day by day. He did make the road trip to Southern California for games Sunday night against Anaheim and Monday night at Los Angeles, but he was scheduled to go anyway because it's the trip the players' mothers are making.
Toews skated and took a few shots but didn't participate in any drills.
“It's an encouraging sign for everyone, but let's make sure he's ready before we say he's ready,” Quenneville told CSN.com.
The Hawks missed Toews in Thursday's 5-3 loss to San Jose, especially with Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane still trying to find their legs after returning from recent injuries.
With Toews out the Hawks need Hossa to be the dynamic player he was early in the season when he scored 7 goals in the first seven games. Since those first seven games, Hossa has just 1 goal in the 17 games he has played, missing 15 others with injuries.
“Certainly has that potential to be a dominant player in our league and for us as well,” Quenneville said. “I think he makes us a dangerous team, the way we use him in so many areas: our special teams, our defensive game, the way he can backcheck with his speed, and his thought process is important as well. He's a big part of our team.”
Nevertheless, the Hawks need Hossa to be an even bigger factor if they are going to secure a playoff spot.
The Hawks were out of the playoff picture in 10th place in the West on Saturday.
“It's going to be basically a sprint for the remainder of the season for every team that's probably in that mix, and you can argue it's 14-15 deep in the West,” Quenneville said.
Corey Crawford will start in goal Sunday night against the Ducks after missing three games with the flu. Fernando Pisani also is expected to play after his two-game bout with the flu.
Jordan Hendry practiced on defense Saturday, meaning he could be back on the blue line in place of either Jasson Cullimore or the struggling Nick Boynton.
“Sometimes competition and tough decisions are welcomed,” Quenneville said. “The situation's on a merit basis right now, we're looking at more than anything. We'll see who's earning and deserving.”
Blackhawks game day
Blackhawks vs. Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center, 7 p.m. Sunday
<B>TV: </B<Channel 9
<B>Radio: </B<WGN 720-AM
<B>Game notes: </B<Corey Crawford starts in goal for the Hawks after missing three games with the flu. Fernando Pisani also returns after missing two games with the flu. While the Hawks are without Jonathan Toews, the Ducks are without their best player in Ryan Getzlaf, who needed surgery to repair facial fractures.
<B>Season series:</B< Hawks lead 2-0.
<B>Next: </B<Los Angeles Kings at Staples Ceter, 8 p.m. Monday