Rookie Saad lasts one period on top line in debut
DALLAS — It was only natural for Blackhawks 18-year-old rookie Brandon Saad to feel some nerves before making his NHL debut on Friday.
Not only was Saad playing in his first game after coming out of nowhere to win a job at training camp, he started it on a line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp, two of the best players in the sport.
“Especially to play with these two guys on opening night as young as I am, it’s going to be incredible,” Saad said before faceoff.
“Obviously there’s nervous getting close to game time, but once you get on the ice you just play your game. It’s been the same thing throughout training camp, not let it get to you and just play your game.”
Saad lasted only one period with Toews and Sharp when coach Joel Quenneville started mixing up his lines in search of goals in a game the Hawks would lose 2-1.
Saad played 13 minutes and had 2 shots in the loss.
Sharp said neither he nor Toews needed to say much to the rookie.
“We’ll have some advice for him, but based on the way he’s been playing he’ll be ready to go,” Sharp said.
Saad sounded like a teen-ager when asked how his first team dinner went Thursday.
“It was nice to get out with the guys,” Saad said. “We went to a nice dinner, the travel and all the expenses, it was pretty cool.”
Saad realizes he could be sent back to juniors at any time if his production isn’t there, especially with the roster still unsettled because of injuries.
“You can’t worry about it too much,” Saad said. “I’m here for a reason. I just have to play my game and the rest will fall into place whatever they decide to do.”
No looking back:Jake Dowell was one of the few Hawks who regularly fought and tried to bring a physical presence last season, yet he was one of the guys the team didn#146;t want back even as general manager Stan Bowman searched for more toughness.Dowell signed with the Stars and centered the fourth line in Friday#146;s opener.#147;I didn#146;t know what to expect at the end of last year,#148; Dowell said. #147;I was a little bit surprised, but it#146;s just the decision that was made. They wanted a group of different guys to get in there and bring the toughness and the grit. I guess that#146;s just how it goes. Everybody moves on. It#146;s just part of the game.#148;Tweet this:Hawks coach Joel Quenneville didn#146;t need 140 characters when asked if he planned to follow Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson and go on Twitter.#147;I#146;m not a fan of Twitter,#148; Quenneville said.Tip-ins:The Hawks dressed seven defensemen with John Scott the lone scratch...Dave Bolland might play Saturday after sitting out the opener. #147;We#146;re optimistic that he can go,#148; Joel Quenneville said.