Blackhawks' Toews named NHL First Star for February
The acquisition of Chris Campoli on Monday would appear to give the Blackhawks one of the more well-rounded and mobile groups of defensemen in the NHL.
Campoli's offensive ability and versatility is a definite upgrade over Jordan Hendry, who is lost for the season with a torn ACL.
“He gives us a presence back there,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said of Campoli, who will make his debut tonight against Calgary at the United Center. “He can play some minutes in all situations. He's mobile and handles the puck well and can complement no matter who his partner is.”
Campoli likely will be paired with Brian Campbell and get an opportunity to play on the penalty-killing unit.
“We'll see how that all plays out,” Quenneville said. “We're looking forward to seeing him play. I'm sure how he plays and how much he's going to play will be reflected into that. We're hoping he can grab some of that (penalty-killing) responsibility.”
The Hawks have each of their top-six defensemen under contract for next season. Campoli is signed through 2011-12 with a $1.4 million cap hit.
“The one thing we also like about Chris is he's not just a rental player just here for a couple months,” general manager Stan Bowman said. “He's a young guy and we have his rights beyond just this season. He fits into the near term this season as well as next, and that factored into it.”
Toews honored:Jonathan Toews on Tuesday was named the NHL's top star for the month of February.Toews was the league's leading scorer for the month with 6 goals and 15 assists. He also was plus-13 with eight multiple-point games and 3 game-winning goals.The second star of the month was San Jose goalie Antti Niemi, who was rewarded with a four-year contract extension by the Sharks on Tuesday worth $15.2 million.Riding Crawford:Even with back-to-back games Sunday and Monday, Joel Quenneville didn't hesitate to go with Corey Crawford on both nights, the rookie goalie responding with a pair of victories over Phoenix and Minnesota.Crawford has started eight games in a row and 20 of the last 24.#8220;I think he wants the opportunity and seems ready and prepared to welcome the next challenge,#8221; Quenneville said. #8220;He's doing everything he can to get us points and win hockey games.#8221;Marty Turco's last start was Feb. 11 at Dallas. The Hawks play back-to-back games again this weekend against Carolina and Toronto on Friday and Saturday.Fight club:John Scott's fight with Minnesota's Brad Staubitz on Monday was the Hawks' first since Feb. 1, when Troy Brouwer fought Marc Methot in Columbus.